FCC Indecency Complaints Nosedive in 2005

WASHINGTON — The Federal Communications Commission released a report showing that complaints of indecency and obscenity on radio and TV dropped by more than 50 percent — from 318,000 in the last quarter of 2004 to 158,000 in the first quarter of 2005.

In the report, FCC officials speculate that the wave of letter-writing campaigns coordinated by religious and family organizations has finally trailed off as the Janet Jackson Super Bowl wardrobe malfunction fades from America’s collective memory and Howard Stern has announced his departure from the public airwaves.

The FCC classifies as indecent any content that describes or relates to “sexual or excretory organs or activities” and is “patently offensive as measured by contemporary community standards.” Rules are more strictly enforced for programming during daytime and primetime hours, when children are likely to be watching or listening.

The report does not name specific organizations or broadcasters, but similar reports from 2004 — a year in which complaints reached record levels — did call attention to the fact that the majority of complaints during that year were form letters and cut-and-paste emails from a handful of very vocal groups such as the Family Research Council, the Parents Television Council and Concerned Women from America.

Also, most complaints in 2004 were directed at high-profile targets such as CBS, which broadcasted the Super Bowl, and Infinity Broadcasting, which syndicates Stern’s radio show.

However, the quarterly report did show a 37 percent increase in complaints related to cable TV and satellite radio, both of which are exempt — at least for the time being — from decency rules governing broadcast radio and TV. Earlier this year, Sen. Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, sponsored a bill that would extend indecency standards to pay services.

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

Kelly Holland's Industry Animal Rescue Charity Event 'Vice Is Nice' Returns Saturday

The 13th annual Vice Is Nice event, a long-standing adult industry fundraiser for Animal Rescue Alliance (TARA), will take place Saturday in Chatsworth.

France Reinstates Age Verification Rule for EU Sites

France’s highest court, the Council of State, on Tuesday reinstated age verification rules for EU-based sites under the country’s Security and Regulation of the Digital Space (SREN) law, ruling in favor of the French government and against Hammy Media.

Angela White Stars in Latest From Brazzers

Angela White stars with Scott Nails in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "Brazzers Beach."

European Commission Approves AV Guidelines, Unveils Prototype App

The European Commission on Monday released its final, approved guidelines for protecting minors online under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) and made public a “white label” age verification app intended to help sites and platforms comply with age verification rules under the DSA.

Eva Angelina on Stepping Back Into the Spotlight With Purpose

Eva Angelina is back in front of the camera, stronger and sharper than ever. Making her triumphant return in her own inimitable badass style, the veteran performer recently reentered the industry not just with a bang, but a dazzling signal flare.

Cassie Del Isla, Ama Rio Topline Latest 'Secret Lesbian Diaries'

Cassie Del Isla and Ama Rio headline the 15th volume of "Secret Lesbian Diaries" from Girlfriends Films.

Cailey Katt Fronts Latest From GroobyVR

Cailey Katt stars alongside Luke London in the latest release from GroobyVR, titled "A Katt in Your Lap."

Madi Collins Signs Exclusive Contract With Vixen Media Group

Vixen Media Group (VMG) has signed Madi Collins to an exclusive contract.

Zariah Aura Leads Latest From Transfixed

Zariah Aura stars with Summer Col and Robby Apples in the latest release from Transfixed, titled “Catching His Cheating Girlfriend.”

Show More