Broadcast-Decency Bill: Pro or Con?

BROADCAST DECENCY BILL PRO OR CON?
[SOURCE: Broadcasting&Cable, AUTHOR: Allison Romano]
An interview with House Telecommunications Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI), a strong proponent of new legislation that has upped the maximum fines for broadcasting indecent programming. He says broadcasters brought the law and its tenfold increases in fines upon themselves. He points out it was former FCC chief Michael Powell who launched the Congressional push for boosting indecency fines, aided by Janet Jackson's Super Bowl number and FCC complaints that simply disgusted him. He says, "From the day that we introduced the bill and the hearings and the likelihood that this was going to move along to become law, the industry has changed its MO. They are much more cognizant of the rules and potential penalties, and they have made necessary adjustments to being flagged in the future. That means different contracts with personnel, delays on live events and a greater awareness of their responsibility, particularly for the few who are racing to the bottom." See more at the URL below.
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6344827?display=News

See also --
* The Big Chill Becomes Law
[Commentary] "This law is so unnecessary. Even Rep Upton, who started this indecency crusade even before the 2004 Super Bowl, pointed out last week that just the threat of this and worse had already made broadcasters change their ways."
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6344831?display=Opinion