ABC continues challenge of FCC fine(2) (OneNewsNow.com)

ABC continues challenge of FCC fine

Ed Thomas - OneNewsNow - 7/2/2008 8:55:00 AM

Warning: This story is not suitable for children

The Parents Television Council (PTC) says arguments made by the ABC television network in defense of their airing graphic female nudity on a former drama series are so absurd that they rate as better comedy writing than most of its current programs. In addition, the watchdog group is criticizing ABC for challenging an indecency fine levied upon it by the FCC.

PTC media analyst Melissa Henson says the February 25, 2003, episode of NYPD Blue in question, contained a rear view of a nude woman. "It's obviously intended to be provocative; it was obviously intended to be shocking," she says of the scene, which PTC says included "saucy" background music and "ogling" by the camera. "ABC knew full well what they were doing," Henson continues, "and I think it's ridiculous for them to try to claim now, after the fact, that there was nothing sexual intended in that scene -- when that clearly was not the case."

But the network says the scene was no more sexual than the famous ad campaign for Coppertone tanning lotion that showed a little girl's bathing suit being pulled down by a puppy.

"They're trying to draw parallels there," claims Henson, "And they're trying to claim the buttocks is not a sexual organ [but a muscle], and that there was nothing sexual about the scene -- therefore it could not have been in violation of the broadcast decency laws."

PTC says ABC's lawyers should win an Emmy for "Best Comedy Writing" -- and that it is clear ABC does not want any definition of indecency to be enforced, even though the network says it is not against indecency rules. That, according to PTC president Tim Winter, is "akin to saying that they're in favor of the speed limit but against any enforcement when people drive too fast."

Because of a string of legal challenges in court by ABC, Fox, CBS, and others against FCC decency enforcement, Henson says the PTC is urging Congress to reconsider Senator Jay Rockefeller's proposed bill addressing all expletives and nudity on the broadcast airwaves -- since the networks apparently will not act more responsibly.

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Comments on this article:

"A two-second shot of bare buttocks is not "graphic nudity." And why on earth would you let young kids watch "NYPD Blue" anyway? It's not a kids' show, There's even a "Material may not be suitable for younger viewers. Parental guidance is suggested." warning."
"I stop watching network television, sitcoms, most news shows, and I don't allow my kids to watch cartoon network due to some of their contents, years ago. I'm glad to see people finally realizing watching today's television does no one any good and it is far from entertainment."
"I have just about had it with people that think it is up to the parents to monitor and somehow control what their children are watching. Yes they should be doing this I do agree but it is impossible to completely block them from viewing bad things. It is in the commercials that show right in the middle of an otherwise nice show. So for those that keep claiming that public broadcast should be an anything goes and it is the parent’s responsibility these people are not living in reality. Big brother does need to step in and make general public broadcast compatible with a 10 year old child. If that is too childish for anyone then they can spend their own money and pay for the adult filth."
"Accept for the local news I really don't watch much network tv. All the same racey stuff."
"The only ones here that should win the emmy for best comedy is the PTC because they are talking goof gas over a TV show that was broadcast at 10:00PM, which is out of the jurisdiction of the FCC and when most kids are tucked away in bed. I cannot understand why anyone would find the nude female form offensive? There is nothing salacious about it, it is just a beautiful creation of the ages that has inspired some of the greatest classics in Rennaisance art and sculpture."
"I thought conservatives were supposed to advocate limited government? Does that not include censorship? Typical right-wing hypocrisy."
"Isn't this sort of thing governed? Then let them decide, not ever religious person voting one way, and every atheist the other. We have laws, did they break one?? If so, make them pay the penalty."
"4 Stars...Being a follower of Jesus, the Bible does not speak of a difference in behavior between sin of a child and sin of an adult. If it is not good for children, then it cannot be any good for adults. Entertainment in and of itself is not a given permission to behave in a matter that goes against God's will. If you are an atheist, then God does not rule your world and you become your own god and allow any behaviors you see fit. If you love Jesus, then you must pray for lost sinners of this world and tell them the good news, that their sins will be washed away by just accepting the free gift of salvation in that Jesus died for your sins as well as the sins of all the peoples of this world, and was resurrected to show the world that a savior had arrived to fulfill the prophesies prophesied in the Holy Scriptures. . ."
"Someone seems the need to inflict his amorality on us and our kids- so go buy your salacious entertainment on some private channel"
"To Mr. "I personally hope ABC prevails". It's not about YOU being a big boy, it's about protecting kids from such content. I've never heard anything more selfish. And you obviously don't have kids because any parent knows you can't watch you kid 24/7, so we have to trust "Big Brother" to protect their young minds from such corruptive content. You can go watch your own perverted content in your bedroom on your own time."
"I agree that we should turn off our TV, write letters, send emails, make phone calls and STOP buying the sponsors products. Most of all we need to PRAY."
"Rules laws are made for reasons. If you don't like them, then try to change them. If you break the law, you get punished. It is really that simple."
"I personally hope ABC prevails with this challenge. I am sick and tired of Big Brother telling me what I can and cannot watch. I'm a big boy now and can make viewing choices on my own, and parents should be making viewing choices for their children rather than relying on Big Brother to do it for them."
"If all who claim the name of Christ would turn off their TV and contact the sponsors of such trash with a complaint, TV would change. We have the power to make change but refuse to do anything but complain. We need to write letters to all sponsors that advertise on this type of pornography and write the stations and tell them they will not watch their station as long as they show pornography."