National Grange Applauds FCC Chairman Powell's Proposal to Overturn "F-Word" Ruling

01/20/2004

L to R: Commissioner Martin, Commissioner Abernathy, Chairman Powell, Commissioner Copps, Commissioner Adelstein

On January 13th, 2004, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Michael K. Powell asked his four fellow commissioners to overturn a ruling that found the use of "f" word by rock singer, Bono, during his acceptance speech for a Golden Globe award was not indecent. Mr. Powell circulated the proposed ruling to the four other commissioners and he needs the votes of two of the four to overturn the decision.

In an October decision, the FCC's enforcement bureau ruled that Bono's exultation did not violate the rules because he used the profanity as an adjective. Text of October 3 ruling. It ignited a blaze of criticism by concerned public and Congress, who think the FCC's decision might open floodgates of indecency and obscenity on TV and radio in the future --- on December 8th, 2003, U.S. House introduced HR 3687, the Clean Airwaves Act, which would ban the broadcast of seven common profanities. National Grange also called for the overturn of the FCC's ruling based upon its policy to support cleaning up the foul language and obscenities used on TV, radio, or in public places. See our action alert.

"Nothing hurts me more than when I hear someone say, 'The FCC says it's okay.' The FCC does not say it's okay," said Powell, speaking at a National Press Club luncheon on January 14th, a day after he asked his four fellow FCC commissioners to overturn the October ruling. "There is nothing in [the enforcement bureau's] decision that is meant to imply that. Anyone who thinks they're going to run a business on that exception is sorely mistaken."

National Grange has received a number of letters and emails forwarded by our members, which have been sent to the FCC's commissioners to ask them to overturn their October decision. Thank you very much for your attention and participation on this issue and keep your eyes open to the FCC's progress after Chairman Powell's proposal.

FCC Contact Information

Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street SW
Washington, DC 20554
Website: www.fcc.gov
Phone: 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322)
Fax: 1-866-418-0232
General information, inquiries & complaints: fccinfo@fcc.gov

If you have any questions or comments please contact Legislative Research Analyst Chil-Sook Hwang by fax: 202-347-1091 or by phone: 1-888-4GRANGE, ext 109. Thank you for your grassroots participation in the National Grange Legislative program.

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