The FCC’s Control of Public Access TV
Posted on September 11, 2011 - Filed Under Uncategorized
The Federal Communications Commission, or FCC, has the authority to, within limits, impose restrictions on what can be shown on public television. There is ongoing controversy over the issue, with some groups of Americans citing Free Speech violations. The popular opinion is that the FCC should regulate public television.
No one wants their 3 year old exposed to curse words and sexually explicit scenes during their morning public television cartoons. Additionally, the population as a whole has the right to choose when and if they want exposure to graphic violence, extreme nudity, or other less than tasteful programming.
There is a reason that networks like HBO and Cinemax exist: So the people who want the R rated versions can have them. Sure, they are considered premium services, and usually set the consumer back around 20 a month, but adults always pay premiums for adult entertainment. Take smoking, for example. There is a huge tax on cigarettes, but adults with the expendable income have the right and the means to attain them.
The bottom line is that some government involvement is necessary in order for the greater sum of the population to enjoy daily life. If there were no guidelines or regulation, there would be television trash everywhere.