AP: FCC Says 'Private Ryan' Is Not Indecent

[sonicx]

WASHINGTON - ABC's broadcast last Veterans Day of the Oscar-winning war movie "Saving Private Ryan," which contains graphic violence and profanity, did not violate indecency guidelines, regulators ruled Monday.

The film contained "numerous expletives and other potentially offensive language generally as part of the soldiers' dialogue," the Federal Communications Commission (news - web sites) said.

snip

Among those filing complaints were members of the Tupelo, Miss.-based American Family Association, which on its Web site describes itself as standing "for traditional family values" and focusing on the influence of television and media on society.

snip

The FCC, in separate rulings, also denied indecency complaints filed by the Parents Television Council, a watchdog group, against the NBC comedy "Will and Grace" and the Fox comedy "Arrested Development."

The Parents Television Council on Monday said it would also file an indecency complaint with the FCC over the Feb. 17 episode of the CBS crime drama "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation." The episode made references to "perverse and graphic" sexual acts, the group said.

more = http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=494&ncid=762&e=4&u=/ap/20050228/ap_en_tv/fcc_saving_private_ryan

[Krupskaya]

1. Wait, let me get this straight...

Shot of a nipple seen only on slo-mo ==> indecent.

20 minutes of realistic gore for historical purpose ==> decent.

M'kay! Thanks!

[NNN0LHI]

3. Them titties is dangerous. Don't "misunderestimate" them n/t

[Anakin Skywalker]

10. But that was good-looking titty, damn it!

I'd rather see that than blood and gore anyday!

[Massacure]

9. Historical purpose is the key.

[vpigrad]

2. This just shows the blood-lust...

repukes have. They love killing and hate nipples.

[Sandpiper]

4. Blood and Guts = Good, Breasts = Indecent

Thanks for clearing that up. :crazy:

[beyurslf]

5. The whole question was stupid in the first place. The FCC ruled not once

but TWICE in the past that Saving Private Ryan was not indecent. This is the THIRD time it has come to this conclusion.

If you don't want your kids to watch it, then don't let them!

[Anakin Skywalker]

11. Who the F*** Keeps Complaining?

$5 says its Brent Bozo the Third (Turd?) and his Family Research Council. And they are not worth more than a $5 bet from me.

:)

[Dr Ron]

6. Still inhibits broadcasts

Fred Upton, who sponsored the legislatiion in the House to increase fines for indency, used this decision to justify his bill. Critics complained that his bill would inhibit stations from showing Private Ryan. Upton claimed today that the FCC's decision shows they have nothing to worry about.

Upton misses the point. Braodcasters were afraid to air Private Ryan as they felt fear of fines. As the FCC is not going to give them a prior ok, they will remain cautious about airing such movies in the future, not knowing which the FCC will say is ok and which they will say is indecent.

[Dr Ron]

7. Speaking of Upton

Here's a post I previously had on this at Light Up the Darkness:

http://www.lightupthedarkness.org/blog/?view=plink&id=402

This Republican Has the Wrong Values
19 February 2005

Congressman Fred Upton (who represents a district not far from where I live) has some strange priorities. He celebrated passing a bill he sponsored by saying "Today, we are delivering something of real value to American families."

What is this bill which is of real value to American families? Did he help provide health care for children, something which John Kerry is pushing for and would really help families? Is he helping to reduce poverty, which John Edwards is concentrating on? No, his is providing much less value. His bill increases penalties for indency on the air.

According to Upton, "There must be a level of expectation when a parent turns on the or radio between the family hours that the content will be suitable for children. A parent should not have to think twice about the content on the public airwaves. Unfortunately, that situation is far from reality."

Here's an opposing viewpoint, which I have quoted previously:

"As a free-speech advocate, I often told parents who were complaining about content, you're the first line of responsibility; they put an off button (on) the TV for a reason. Turn it off."

If any Republicans are reading I bet they think I'm quoting some dangerous left winger. Actually this quote is from President George W. Bush. I hope he shows he means what he says and vetos this should it also pass the Senate. A similar bill in the Senate was cosponsored by Senators. Sam Brownback and Joseph Lieberman.

[Worst Username Ever]

8. Good.

If people don't like what their families see, change the channel.

[Anakin Skywalker]

12. Nah. But that's not what the Bible said

according to the fundies' warped views, God has given them a mission to CLEANSE our culture of filth and perversion. :)

[HockeyMom]

13. They are CRAZY, just plain CRAZY

Remember the case a while ago about the parents of a little boy who sued their next door neighbor because he SCREAMED PROFANITIES when he cut off his finger with a chain saw and their little boy HEARD HIM?

You want a frivolous lawsuit? THAT is one.

What do these people want? Oh, fudge, gosh darn, when somebody is in extreme pain (the neighbor) or a life threatening situation (soldiers)?

[RaleighNCDUer]

14. Yup. It's right there in Media 1, 4-7

"4 For the airwaves are befouled with filth
and uncleanliness
5 And the Lord said -- Go forth unto the halls
of the broadcasters, and threaten them with
great fines and admonitions
6 That they might repent their ways
7 And make the Family Hour a time of Peace and
Wholesomness."