The FCC today reversed itself and ruled that singer Bono's use of the F-word on NBC's Golden Globes telecast was "indecent and profane." Though it did not fine Bono or NBC, it made it clear it would the next time. The Media Bureau had earlier ruled that use of the word as an adjective was not indecent. The FCC commissioners unanimously disagreed.
It is the first time the FCC has applied the profanity portion of the indecency rules to the F-word. To be precise, it was the emotional ejaculation "F***ing Brilliant," that started all this.
"The gratuitous use of such vulgar language on broadcast television will not be tolerated," says FCC Chairman Michael Powell.
Previously, the profanity prohibition has been applied to blasphemies (hence the removal of “Jesus Christ!” from the broadcast-friendly version of South Park, we assume. Now, vulgarity is in the crosshairs.
In separate proceedings, the FCC also fined Infinity the maximum $27,500 for an indecent broadcast on WRKR-FM (Howard Stern) and Capstar the maximum $55,000 for two incidents on WAVW(FM) Stuart, Fla., and WCZR(FM) Vero Beach, Fla, for a conversation between a host and a couple engaged in either actual or simulated sex.
The FCC's warning to broadcasters on the F-word, and by extension other profanities, was this: "All broadcasters are on clear notice that similar broadcasts in the future will lead to forfeitures and potential license revocation, if appropriate."
NBC Responded in a statement: "We believe the Commission made the right decision in not fining us over the regrettable Bono incident.... As we have previously said, Bono's utterance was unacceptable and we regret it happened. Today's decision confirms that the rules in place at that time did not subject broadcasters to strict liability for fleeting utterances in live broadcasts."
