According to wire reports, "The Federal Communications Commission has proposed a $1.4 million fine against more than 50 ABC stations for an episode of 'NYPD Blue' that aired nearly five years ago."
"Our action today should serve as a reminder to all broadcasters that Congress and American families continue to be concerned about protecting children from harmful material and that the FCC will enforce the laws of the land vigilantly," Commissioner Deborah Taylor Tate says in a statement accompanying the order.
First of all, after five years, to be PROPOSING a fine isn't exactly what I would call prompt action, and since the show in question has been off the air for years, is this even relevant at this point?
Is this what our government should be concerned with? And what do you think of the standards on TV today? Is a little nudity OK on a network show, as long as it's at 9 p.m.? Or is this kind of thing for cable only? What about violence?
From what I understand about this case, the FCC took exception to the fact that the episode in question aired in the central time zone at 9pm instead of the more accepted 10pm hour in other time zones. So, that would seem to make this case not only irrelevant, but absurd, as the central time slot will never have prime-time episodes in the 10pm hour, unless delayed by another program. It makes me wonder what the "behind-the-scenes" motivation makes this case all of the sudden necessary.
By the way, do you have any information about NYPD blue seasons 5-10 coming to DVD anytime soon?
Wendy here. There is no date as of now for Seasons 5 to 10 on DVD; all I can find is a promise that it is "coming soon."
Someone's butt is obscene? This is absolutely ridiculous and these idiots at the FCC need to be fired.
How can the government be run be some many complete idiots?
We need to cut the FCC budget by 75% if this is all they have to do.