Follow on Google News News By Tag Industry News News By Location Country(s) Industry News
Follow on Google News | "Redskins" Trademarks Axed, Ruling Also Threatens Broadcasters On-Air Use of "Racist" WordPrime Time Use of Word On Air Could Violate Federal Law, Say Former FCC Commissioners
"Although this is a major victory for those fighting the continued use of the racist ‘Redskins’ Recently, the Washington Post called an approach to the "Redskins" problem which utilized federal broadcasting law one which is "potentially more significant than any lawsuit or legislation" By law, stations and their programming must serve the "public interest, convenience, and necessity." Also, between 6 AM and 10 PM, radio and TV stations may not use profane language, "including language so grossly offensive to members of the public who actually hear it as to amount to a nuisance." Thus a finding by another federal agency that the word “may disparage” individuals or groups or “bring them into contempt or disrepute” strengthens this argument, says Banzhaf. Stations found by the FCC to be in violation may be fined, or find that their very valuable license to broadcast on a given frequency may not be renewed. In a letter, former FCC Chairman Reed Hundt and many other former FCC commissioners and staffers termed the R-word an "unequivocal racial slur" akin to the N-word. They liken the use of “Redskins” That letter also likened the use of the term to "obscene pornographic language on live television." If the FCC does not act on its own, it could be prodded or even required by law to become involved in the dispute, says Banzhaf. Banzhaf, the “Man Behind the Ban on Cigarette Commercials,” JOHN F. BANZHAF III, B.S.E.E., J.D., Sc.D. Professor of Public Interest Law George Washington University Law School, FAMRI Dr. William Cahan Distinguished Professor, Fellow, World Technology Network, Founder, Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) 2000 H Street, NW Washington, DC 20052, USA (202) 994-7229 // (703) 527-8418 http://banzhaf.net/ End
Account Email Address Account Phone Number Disclaimer Report Abuse
|
|