Commission launches site to explain obscenity, indecency and profanity

The FCC has launched a new Web site intended to inform the public about laws governing the airing of obscene, indecent and profane material and its enforcement of those laws.

The site, www.fcc.gov/eb/oip, explains how to file a complaint and what happens when the commission receives one. The site includes a historical look at statistics on the number of complaints and forfeitures dating back to 1993.

Since the Janet Jackson incident at the Super Bowl two years ago, broadcasters have come under increased scrutiny. On several occasions since the incident, news organizations have found themselves in a tenuous position while reporting live when a member of the public has uttered an expletive.

For more information, visit www.fcc.gov.

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