Swearing to be permitted on TB? (FCC Court decision)

[Mark Latimour]

Okay, perhaps thats goign a bit to far. But I found this recent decision in the US interesting:

Originally Posted by BBC

US appeals court strikes down media swearing ban

A US appeals court has struck down a government policy that banned the broadcasting of profanity, ruling that the rule is unconstitutional.

The policy was drawn up in 2004 and meant that broadcasters could be fined if indecent words went on air.

The court said the FCC's (Federal Communications Commission) policy had a "chilling effect" on broadcasters.

The many media outlets that challenged the rule said that they were satisfied with the ruling.

The court said banning all "patently offensive" references to sex, sexual organs and excretion without a clear definition of what is considered offensive, effectively chills speech and creates an atmosphere of fear among America's broadcasters.

FCC commissioner Michael Copps called the court's decision "anti-family" and said the commission would "clarify and strengthen its indecency framework".

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10624856

From waht I undersatnd, soon it may be okay to swear on Network TV (or at least, the Networks wont risk beign fined for doign so). Does this mean that if wearing is suitable on network TV, its suitable for TB? Well, that's a decision for the mods.

[MIJ-VI]

With so many words to choose from...

[MadMan118]

The only way swearing will be allowed here is if it is ruled mandatory by the supreme court.

[Thunderscreech]

Problem, FCC?

[i_got_a_mohawk]

Seeing this is a private website, I doubt it

[megadan]

Yeah, there's no swearing on TB because we want to keep it open to people of all ages, and focused on topic.


However, I don't see this as any surprise... remember years ago when you couldn't say the s-word on TV? Now it's **** this and **** that. (Gotta love the South Park episode when this first came about). Soon you'll be able to say c********** mother****ing **** *** **** on tv and there's nothing any one can do about it! Still can't say it on TB though

[drteeth]

**** Yeah!

[need4mospd]

Bollocks

[mikeyswood]

I'm a big fan of using the term "Bob Saget" in lieu of any F or GD term. It's been received extremely well whenever it gets dropped.

[Mark Latimour]

Just to be clear, I am not suggesting that the Court's ruling has any application on TB (a private website), but rather that the trickle down effect may hit TB. Fundamentally, the TB Rule on profanity reflects the "family friendly" end of society's tolerance for profanity. Ie "if its not suitable for prime time network television, its not suitable on TB". The Court's ruling may force a shift in what society regards as "profanity" that is acceptable on prime time tv. At present its artificially constrained because the FCC could fine broadcasters for profanity. The Court has said that that behaviour is unconstitutional so its possible network braodcasters will now try and test what societies boundaries are without the risk of pecuniary penalty imposed by the FCC. This could result in a shift in what society accepts is profane and could ultimate lead to words being "uncensored" on TB. It probably won't happen overnight, but its interesting to think about words that are permitted on TB (now) that wouldn't have been permitted on network teleivsion some years ago. All this is is a possible continuiation of this process, artificially spead up.

[need4mospd]

Originally Posted by mikeyswood

I'm a big fan of using the term "Bob Saget" in lieu of any F or GD term. It's been received extremely well whenever it gets dropped.

This is a mother Bob Sageting good idea.

[CapnSev]

Originally Posted by Mark Latimour

Just to be clear, I am not suggesting that the Court's ruling has any application on TB (a private website), but rather that the trickle down effect may hit TB. Fundamentally, the TB Rule on profanity reflects the "family friendly" end of society's tolerance for profanity. Ie "if its not suitable for prime time network television, its not suitable on TB". The Court's ruling may force a shift in what society regards as "profanity" that is acceptable on prime time tv. At present its artificially constrained because the FCC could fine broadcasters for profanity. The Court has said that that behaviour is unconstitutional so its possible network braodcasters will now try and test what societies boundaries are without the risk of pecuniary penalty imposed by the FCC. This could result in a shift in what society accepts is profane and could ultimate lead to words being "uncensored" on TB. It probably won't happen overnight, but its interesting to think about words that are permitted on TB (now) that wouldn't have been permitted on network teleivsion some years ago. All this is is a possible continuiation of this process, artificially spead up.

You think too much.

[Mark Latimour]

Originally Posted by CapnSev

You think too much.

I suppose thats preferable to the alternative, which I see way too often in OT!

[CapnSev]

Originally Posted by Mark Latimour

I suppose thats preferable to the alternative, which I see way too often in OT!

Touche`

[JimB52]

I've always felt excessive profanity reveals a lack of vocabulary.
A profane word, delivered with the proper emphasis, has much more effect if it is seldom used.

[mikeyswood]

Agreed. A well placed [manure] is the best way to lighten a room.

[Jonyak]

Originally Posted by megadan

Yeah, there's no swearing on TB because we want to keep it open to people of all ages, and focused on topic.

yes, because children never swear, nor have they ever heard or read a swear word.

[megadan]

Originally Posted by Jonyak

yes, because children never swear, nor have they ever heard or read a swear word.

Theory vs. practice

[Mark Latimour]

Originally Posted by Jonyak

yes, because children never swear, nor have they ever heard or read a swear word.

Thats not really the point though. Isn't it more that parents may not allow a child to use an (otherwise) resourceful site if they think its full of profanity. Children can and do swear and get exposed to it, but I would imagine most parents would prefer that their children are exposed to it as little as possible and therefore having a no-swearing rule makes sense as it gives parents comfort that their kids can use TB.

[Kwesi]

We should all make up our own curse words with needlessly complex explanations as to what they mean. Let's see what the FCC has to say about that!