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FCC Fallout

We all know how the FCC upped fines to have more teeth going up against such big-money, (arguably) "indecent" programs such as the Howard Stern Show or a particularly racy Super Bowl Half-Time show.  However, upping the fines has already brought about some unintended consequences (or intended, depending on how cynical you are).

For example, PBS, college, and community stations can collectively tremble in fear of the raised maximum fine of $500,000.  Most would be happy to collect 1/10th of that figure in a pledge drive.  Even the old maximum of $32,500 could have permanently crumbled such a station. 

Under the new threats, PBS has forced Frontline to broadcast a clean version of it's upcoming documentary on soldiers in Iraq as its primary feed.  The original version (that includes profanity from soldier interviews) will be broadcast later and be more inconvenient for stations to air.  Any station agreeing to broadcast the original version must "sign a legal waiver indemnifying PBS and the producers in the event of any fines or legal actions."

Capitalizing on the manufactured controversy "Education Secretary Margaret Spellings also sent PBS a letter questioning whether federal funds should be used to support such programming." Not sure if the problem with the programming is just the curse words, or being so bold as to show America's young men and women serving in the Armed Forces using "potty-mouth".