opinion

We've Got Your Back

Five months have passed since we rang in the New Year and you might be amazed at all that FSC has accomplished during that time. If you are wondering what FSC has done for you lately, you will find the answers here.

January started the year off with a great deal of activity as FSC had a booth at the Adult Entertainment Expo where we launched our new logo, gave out information about membership benefits and provided scheduled hours for our Legal Committee chair and industry attorney, Reed Lee, to be available to answer questions from adult industry professionals about new 2257 rules and regulations and the responsibilities adult industry businesses have in complying with them.

With the recession looming, the issue of copyright infringement became even more pertinent as adult businesses saw a rapid decline in their profit margins. During AEE, FSC came together with the top industry VOD companies to discuss the issue of piracy and potential, industry-wide solutions that we could consider.

Although video production was down, the adult entertainment industry was without insurance as the adult industry’s only insurance underwriter decided to drop coverage for adult entertainment production companies. FSC began working with a number of insurance brokers to find insurance for the industry and vetted these brokers to make sure that they could deliver on their promises. By February, the adult industry had production insurance and a choice of quality brokers to work with in writing the policies.

At February’s XBIZ Conference, FSC had its membership meeting, bringing industry icon Phil Harvey, Adam & Eve’s founder, to speak on the state of the industry. At the conference, FSC continued working with the top VOD companies on the issue of copyright infringement, but this time bringing many of the industry’s top producers to the table as well. At that meeting the group agreed on launching a pilot aimed a curtailing copyright infringement on tube sites. That work continues.

As a response to Cal OSHA’s citing of a handful of adult studios, FSC launched its Workplace Safety Manual aimed at assisting adult businesses in developing a workplace safety plan to comply with OSHA standards. FSC has been working with some of those businesses and industry attorneys to develop industry friendly compliance options. FSC introduced WCO Safety Services, a workplace safety consulting company, to the industry to assist adult businesses in developing workplace safety plans. WCO offers discounts to all FSC members.

Again this year, the California Sate Legislature is considering a bill that will impose a tax on adult businesses, AB 1082. FSC held its annual lobby day March 10, bringing a number of industry professionals to Sacramento to lobby against the bill. AB 1082 was not taken up in committee for a vote and cannot be voted on for the remainder of 2009. It can be brought up again for a vote in January 2010, but that is unlikely. However there still exists the threat of a tax on the adult industry in the crisis-budget process of California. We continue to monitor the process, lobby heavily and provide solid arguments to the state legislature as to, among other things, the unconstitutionality of taxing expression.

After 2257’s final rules and regulations were released at the end of 2008, FSC began working on litigation under these new revisions. We developed an attorney selection committee composed of several industry leaders and attorneys, including: FSC Board Member and Titan Media attorney Gil Sperlein; Adam & Eve founder Phil Harvey; FSC member and producer Dave Cummings (who was a plaintiff in the Denver 2257 case); and D.C.-based Raben Group lobbyist, Dave Grimaldi. This committee considered a number of proposals submitted as a result of FSC’s request for proposal process. The committee selected attorney J. Michael Murray and the Cleveland-based law firm of Berkman, Gordon, Murray and DeVan. FSC is now in the process of considering venues and plaintiffs for its next challenge to 2257.

Finally, in our never-ending process to improve communication, FSC has brought innovation to our existing publications and added additional means of outreach. FSC launched a new website that is not only much more attractive than our old site, but also much more user friendly. We have our own Facebook page for members looking for additional information and wanting a more personal connection to FSC. We have also revised our weekly newsletter format to be more informative and enjoyable.

These are but a few of the many answers to the question of, “FSC, what have you done for me lately?” In the first five months of 2009, FSC has worked diligently to watch your bottom line and your back as you toil, keeping your adult business afloat. Rest assured we will continue our critical work to support and protect the adult entertainment industry.

We’ve got your business interests at heart, and we’ve got your back.

Related:  

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 Articles

opinion

WIA Profile: Lainie Speiser

With her fiery red hair, thick-framed glasses and a laugh that practically hugs you, Lainie Speiser is impossible to miss. Having repped some of adult’s biggest stars during her 30-plus years in the business, the veteran publicist is also a treasure trove of tales dating back to the days when print was king and social media not even a glimmer in the industry’s eye.

Women in Adult ·
opinion

Fighting Back Against AI-Fueled Fake Takedown Notices

The digital landscape is increasingly being shaped by artificial intelligence, and while AI offers immense potential, it’s also being weaponized. One disturbing trend that directly impacts adult businesses is AI-powered “DMCA takedown services” generating a flood of fraudulent Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) notices.

Corey D. Silverstein ·
opinion

Building Seamless Checkout Flows for High-Risk Merchants

For high-risk merchants such as adult businesses, crypto payments are no longer just a backup plan — they’re fast becoming a first choice. More and more businesses are embracing Bitcoin and other digital currencies for consumer transactions.

Jonathan Corona ·
opinion

What the New SCOTUS Ruling Means for AV Laws and Free Speech

On June 27, 2025, the United States Supreme Court handed down its landmark decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, upholding Texas’ age verification law in the face of a constitutional challenge and setting a new precedent that bolsters similar laws around the country.

Lawrence G. Walters ·
opinion

What You Need to Know Before Relocating Your Adult Business Abroad

Over the last several months, a noticeable trend has emerged: several of our U.S.-based merchants have decided to “pick up shop” and relocate to European countries. On the surface, this sounds idyllic. I imagine some of my favorite clients sipping coffee or wine at sidewalk cafés, embracing a slower pace of life.

Cathy Beardsley ·
profile

Andi Avalon Talks Wifey Life and the Joys of Suburban Chaos

Fans crave authenticity. For most adult content creators, this has become gospel. Everybody is looking for “the real deal” — and as it happens, you can’t get much more real than MILF creator-performer Andi Avalon.

Jackie Backman ·
profile

WIA Profile: Salima

When Salima first entered the adult space in her mid-20s, becoming a power player wasn’t even on her radar. She was simply looking to learn. Over the years, however, her instinct for strategy, trust in her teams and commitment to creator-first innovation led her from the trade show floor to the executive suite.

Women in Adult ·
opinion

How the Interstate Obscenity Definition Act Could Impact Adult Businesses

Congress is considering a bill that would change the well-settled definition of obscenity and create extensive new risks for the adult industry. The Interstate Obscenity Definition Act, introduced by Sen. Mike Lee, makes a mockery of the First Amendment and should be roundly rejected.

Lawrence G. Walters ·
opinion

What US Sites Need to Know About UK's Online Safety Act

In a high-risk space like the adult industry, overlooking or ignoring ever-changing rules and regulations can cost you dearly. In the United Kingdom, significant change has now arrived in the form of the Online Safety Act — and failure to comply with its requirements could cost merchants millions of dollars in fines.

Cathy Beardsley ·
opinion

Understanding the MATCH List and How to Avoid Getting Blacklisted

Business is booming, sales are steady and your customer base is growing. Everything seems to be running smoothly — until suddenly, Stripe pulls the plug. With one cold, automated email, your payment processing is shut down. No warning, no explanation.

Jonathan Corona ·
Show More