COURT QUASHES FCC’S INDECENCY RULE

A U.S. appellate court today (Tuesday) struck down an FCC rule that allows it to fine broadcasters for using “patently offensive” language on live television. Ruling that the FCC policy violates the First Amendment, the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan said: “By prohibiting all ‘patently offensive’ references to sex, sexual organs and excretion without giving adequate guidance as to what ‘patently offensive’ means, the FCC effectively chills speech, because broadcasters have no way of knowing what the FCC will find offensive.”