House Panel Votes to Raise Fines for Indecency

WASHINGTON, D.C – The House Energy and Commerce Committee overwhelmingly passed a measure that could dramatically raise fines for broadcast indecency.

The Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act would increase penalties the Federal Communications Commission can levy against broadcasters for airing material deemed inappropriate to a whooping $500,000 per violation — 15 times the current fine limit of $32,000. Stations would also face losing their licenses if found in violation three times.

The bill also proposes to increase fines against individual entertainers from $11,000 to $500,000 per violation.

“We’re gaining ground in our battle against indecency,” said the bill’s co-sponsor, Rep. Fred Upton (R-Mich.), moments after it passed through committee on a 46-2 vote. “The public is on our side, and so is the law.”

Despite Upton’s optimism, the law isn’t on his side quite yet. The bill still must go before the full house for a vote, then make its way through the senate before reaching the president’s desk.

Reps. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) and Henry Waxman (D-Calif.), the two dissenting voters, have vowed to try raising opposition against the bill, warning that its passage would threaten the First Amendment.

“We’re heading down a slippery slope when Big Brother is put in charge of what constitutes free speech and artistic expression,” Schakowsky said.

This latest round of indecency legislation was born out of the controversy surrounding last year’s Super Bowl halftime show, in which Janet Jackson breast was partially exposed for several seconds.

The furor over that incident, coupled with the prospect of large, possibly retroactive, fines for indecency, has prompted many broadcasters to institute self-imposed censorship measures.

Fox decided not to re-air a mildly suggestive ad for website GoDaddy.com during the second half of this year’s Super Bowl when it received eight complaints after the commercial’s first airing. And many radio stations carrying the Howard Stern Radio Show cut out large portions of the show to avoid violating the “community standards” clause of existing obscenity laws.

Cable and satellite companies would not be subject to the proposed fines.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Federal Appeals Court Vacates FTC 'Click to Cancel' Rule Pending Review

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit on Tuesday vacated the Federal Trade Commission’s “click-to-cancel” rule aimed at making it easier for consumers to cancel online subscriptions, pending further review.

NYC Adult Stores Lose Challenge to Zoning Law, May Face Relocation

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit on Tuesday upheld a lower court’s decision to allow enforcement of a 2001 zoning law aimed at forcing adult retail stores out of most parts of New York City.

FSC Drops Florida AV Lawsuit in Wake of SCOTUS Decision

A U.S. district court judge granted on Tuesday a motion by Free Speech Coalition to dismiss the trade association’s lawsuit over Florida’s age verification law, a case that had been on hold pending the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the constitutionality of state AV laws.

Ukrainian President Responds to Porn Legalization Petition

President Volodymyr Zelensky responded Tuesday to an OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine, stating that he would wait for the legislative process to play out “in accordance with established procedure.”

NC Governor Vetoes Bill Targeting Adult Industry, Override Possible

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein today vetoed a bill imposing new regulations that adult industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

25,000 Sign Petition to Legalize Pornography in Ukraine

An OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine has amassed the 25,000 signatures required for official consideration by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

FSC Unpacks SCOTUS Age Verification Ruling in Webinar

The Free Speech Coalition conducted a public webinar Tuesday to help adult industry stakeholders understand the Supreme Court’s recent decision in FSC v. Paxton, and its potential implications.

UK Lawmaker Calls for Appointment of 'Porn Minister'

Baroness Gabrielle Bertin, the Conservative member of Parliament who recently convened a new anti-pornography task force, is calling for the appointment of a “minister for porn,” according to British news outlet The Guardian.

FSC Toasts Jeffrey Douglas for 30 Years of Service

n the very same evening when the adult industry was hit hard by the Supreme Court ruling supporting Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181, members of the Free Speech Coalition board, staff and supporters gathered to celebrate Jeffrey Douglas’ 30 years as board chair — a fitting reflection of his reputation as an eternal optimist.

FSC: Age-Verification Laws Go Into Effect in South Dakota, Georgia, Wyoming on July 1

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has published a statement regarding new age verification laws set to go into effect tomorrow in South Dakota, Georgia, and Wyoming.

Show More