House votes to raise broadcast indecency fines in push to curb content
The House approved a 391 22 measure to raise fines for indecency to 500000 per incident, up from 27500 for licensees and 11000 for personalities, aiming to curb provocative TV and radio content after the Janet Jackson halftime show. The bill moves to the Senate as supporters warn of a chilling effect without a clear indecency standard.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Washington
Federal Communications Commission
Janet Jackson
FCC
Michael Powell
Commission
Supreme Court
Jeremy Lipschultz
University of Nebraska At Omaha
Clear Channel Communications
National Association of Broadcasters
House bill tightens indecency penalties for broadcasts
The measure doubles fines for license-holders and performers to 500000, lets FCC impose penalties after a single offense, and requires action on indecency complaints within 180 days. It proposes license revocation after three violations, exempts affiliates if networks supplied the program, and urges a prime time family hour.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
NAB
Edward C. Fritts
FCC
Federal Communications Commission
Massachussetts votes in preliminary gay marriage ban
Massachusetts lawmakers gave preliminary approval to a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage while allowing civil unions. It would strip gay couples of marriage rights and must pass three more times before a statewide ballot in 2006. The debate followed a high court ruling making same sex marriage legal May 17.
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Massachusetts
Boston
San Francisco
Bush
Congress
Underground wiring shocks dogs in Boston and other cities
Dozens of underground faults linked to street work have sparked animal shocks in New York Chicago and Boston. Officials blame sloppy repairs and street digging while utilities pledge checks and safer wiring. Dog owners buy protective paw coverings as investigations cite stray voltage and inadequate restoration after excavations.
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Boston
Maura A. Hennigan
Jodie Lane
New York
East Village
Consolidated Edison
Chicago
George Morton
Oscar
Charlestown
Robert Gonsalves
Tufts University
Con Ed
Joe Petta
Nstar
Boston Herald
Boston Globe
Thomas J. Maya
Chinatown
N Star
Christina Hacence
Nora Hayes
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Roy Blunt
R-Mo
Bob Goodlatte
House
RMO
Senate
Commerce Committee
Texas
Ron Paul
Rep
Gary Ackerman
DEMON
Odessa
America
Frida
Sunda Music City Mall