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Frequently Asked Questions About FCC Regulation of Obscenity, Indecency, and Profanity

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By Kathryn R. Schmeltzer and Jarrett S. Taubman
November 2006
Sample questions include:

  • What is the source of the Commission’s authority to limit “obscene,” “indecent,” and “profane” program material?
  • What FCC regulations prohibit “obscene” or “indecent” program material?
  • What Commission regulations prohibit “profane” program material?
  • What about the First Amendment?
  • Why aren’t cable and satellite subject to the same regulations?


A PDF version of this entire article can be found at Frequently Asked Questions About FCC Regulation of Obscenity, Indecency, and Profanity.