The Top Five Indecency Fines Issued by the FCC

[Solid Lifters]

OK, this is both TV and radio, but I thought it best to put it here. I love some of the reasons why the fines were given. The biggest fine sounds completely bogus. A sign our FCC is getting out of hands? Boy, they sure do love Howard Stern. They had more for him than what's here.

The Top Five Indecency Fines Issued by the FCC

5.
Mel Karmazin/Infinity Broadcasting &
Sagittarius Broadcasting/
WXRK, WYSP, WJFK
James H. Quello (D)
Nov. 10,
1992
Howard Stern discusses size of actor Richard Gere's penis, among other sexual matters.
Aug. 12,
1993
9
$500,000
Paid
Sept. 5,
1995
$500,000
Paid as part of settlement


4.
Viacom/CBS
television stations
Michael K. Powell (R)
Feb. 1,
2004
Janet Jackson bares breast during Super Bowl halftime show.
Aug. 31,
2004
Sept. 22,
2004
6
$550,000
Pending


3.
Mel Karmazin, Sagittarius Broadcasting
Corp., Infinity Broadcasting/
WXRK, WYSP, WJFK
Alfred C. Sikes (R)
Oct. 1,
1991
Numerous Howard Stern broadcasts, including discussion of the arrest for indecent exposure of actor Paul Rubens (aka Pee Wee Herman).
Oct. 27,
1992
Dec. 18,
1992
12
$600,000
Paid
Sept. 5,
1995
$600,000
Paid as part of settlement


2.
Clear Channel/WPLA
Michael K. Powell (R)
July 19,
2001
Bubba the Love Sponge describes sexual activity between cartoon characters, including George and Jane Jetson.
Jan. 26,
2004
Jan. 27,
2004
30
$715,000
Paid
Jan. 17,
2004
$715,000
Total NAL for $755,000. $40,000 for public file violations.


1.
NewsCorp/Fox
Broadcasting Television
Michael K. Powell (R)
April 7,
2003
"Married By America" shows digitally obscured nudity.
Oct. 5,
2004
Oct. 12,
2004
17
$1,183,000
Pending