The FCC responds !!
Wednesday, August 30, 2006 at 8:37PM Most of you who read the post on Etiquette (Indian movie theaters not enforcing any entry restriction for violent indian movies), know that I wrote to the FCC (pretty much in strong terms along the lines of the previous post).
I got a reply today.
Since a lot of you have asked me to show you the FCC's response, here it is .
Thank you for contacting the Federal Communications Commission.
The Communications Act of 1934 that established the Federal Communications Commission PROHIBITS the Commission from censoring broadcast matter and taking action that would interfere with free speech in broadcasting, a freedom also guaranteed in our Constitution's First Amendment. THE COMMISSION DOES NOT REGULATE THE MOVIE INDUSTRY; therefore has no say in the matters of movie ratings.
Individual radio and television station licensees are responsible for selecting all broadcast matter and for determining how their stations can best serve their communities. Licensees are responsible for choosing the entertainment programming and the programs concerning the local issues, news, public affairs, religion, sports events and other subjects to be aired by the station. They also decide how their programs, including call in shows, will be conducted and whether or not to edit or reschedule material for broadcasting. To this end the Commission does not substitute its judgment for that of the broadcaster in this process, and it does not act as an advisor to stations on artistic standards, grammar or quality of content.
We recommend listeners and viewers to make their concerns known to the management personnel of the broadcast station involved whenever they believe the station's programming merits it. Such comments help to keep broadcasters informed about audience opinion and can influence programming.
However, Congress has given the Federal Communications Commission the responsibility for administratively enforcing the prohibition to broadcast obscene and/or indecent programming which is set forth at Title 18 United States Code, Section 1464 (18 U.S.C. ยง 1464).
The Commission's enforcement actions in administratively enforcing the prohibition to broadcast obscene and/or indecent programming are based on documented complaints of indecent or obscene broadcasting received from the public. This does not include cable or satellite channels/stations, only broadcasts from FCC licensed TV and radio stations.
The Commission will act on all documented complaints that may violate FCC rules and regulations governing obscene and/or indecent programming.
For information concerning the FCC's regulation of obscenity, indecency, and profanity, please visit this web site: http://www.fcc.gov/eb/oip/.
Hope this proves helpful.
C.Howell
FCC/Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau
202-418-1569
Go on.. Go to http://www.fcc.gov/eb/oip/
It is going to take me some time to digest what these guys are saying.. Maybe the lawyers out there can condense the jist of the message so laymen like me can understand ?
Until then, I stop watching movies at IMC !!
Reader Comments (7)
Hmm..
//Viewer's discretion requested// ?!
looks like it. then why all the ratings, MPAA etc.,
they make all this fuss about NFL halftime stunts, howard stern , etc. but we are raising a whole bunch of potential "columbines" in every IMC6 !! pretty sure these movies will have a lasting impact on those kids..
:(
Sundar, Maybe we should go together to complain to the IMC6 theater owners. What do you think.
Only the restricted and x rating movies are regulated. Everything else is a recommendation. So the viewers shd be discreet. I still think it is the parent's responsibility.If IMC6 charges for all the kids full price irrespective of the age, that might deter some parents if not all..
Agree with s.... if the ticket costs more than the cost of a childminder, mariyaadhaiyaa veetla vittuttu varuvaanga pasangala ellam
Couldnt figure what the FCC is telling you. Over here, they wont tell you anything. Over there, they seem to be telling you a whole lot. The net effect seems to be the same ! Better stay home !
narayanan sir, we can do that.. next time you go there let me know.
s.., WA that is a great idea. nothing will deter these guys like having to pay a full price ticket for an infant or toddler.
kavi, at least when i was in India, kids werent allowed into watch these movies..dont know about the state of affairs there now.
all, my wife has an idea. we will see how that works ! will update you all after we check that plan out.