On February 16, 2005, the Broadcast Indecency Enforcement Act was introduced as H.R.310 and sailed through the House, 389-38. This bill raises fines against broadcasters when they violate the indecency laws.
Since then Senator Ted Stevens (R-AK), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, has held three sets of hearings. Family and consumer groups have been shortchanged in these hearings, which have resulted in no action.
Senator Stevens has held this bill hostage for over 14 months. During the last hearing, Senator Stevens actually loaded the testimony panel with seven broadcast industry executives, while only allowing one non-industry leader.
Broadcasters are now suing in federal court. They are claiming a so-called right to broadcast the "f" word, the "s" word and even hardcore pornography into our homes. All the while, H.R. 310 gathers dust in the U.S. Senate because of Sen. Stevens.
Why won't Sen. Stevens allow the Senate to vote on the bill? He says the networks are doing a good job policing themselves. Can you believe that a U.S. Senator actually said that?!
You also need to remember that this is an election year and broadcasters are very generous political donors. That means that unless there is an outpouring of protest, this bill will do what Sen. Stevens wants—die in committee.
AFA made several attempts to discuss our concerns with Senator Stevens. His office staff did not return our calls and emails.
http://www3.capwiz.com/afanet/issues/alert/?alertid=8726891&type=CO
Since then Senator Ted Stevens (R-AK), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, has held three sets of hearings. Family and consumer groups have been shortchanged in these hearings, which have resulted in no action.
Senator Stevens has held this bill hostage for over 14 months. During the last hearing, Senator Stevens actually loaded the testimony panel with seven broadcast industry executives, while only allowing one non-industry leader.
Broadcasters are now suing in federal court. They are claiming a so-called right to broadcast the "f" word, the "s" word and even hardcore pornography into our homes. All the while, H.R. 310 gathers dust in the U.S. Senate because of Sen. Stevens.
Why won't Sen. Stevens allow the Senate to vote on the bill? He says the networks are doing a good job policing themselves. Can you believe that a U.S. Senator actually said that?!
You also need to remember that this is an election year and broadcasters are very generous political donors. That means that unless there is an outpouring of protest, this bill will do what Sen. Stevens wants—die in committee.
AFA made several attempts to discuss our concerns with Senator Stevens. His office staff did not return our calls and emails.
http://www3.capwiz.com/afanet/issues/alert/?alertid=8726891&type=CO
