FCC Tackles Backlog of Indecency Inquiries

摘要

After a hiatus of what numerous attorneys say is close to two years, the FCC has begun to follow up on some of the one million-plus indecency complaints it has acknowledged are in its pipeline, including one concerning a Dr. Phil episode that aired four years ago.rnThis development will require broadcasters to once again hunt down old show tapes, and accrue documents and other materials-along with new lawyers' fees-to defend their own or their networks' programming decisions.rnTwo communications attorneys who spoke on background acknowledged that they are aware of at least three letters of inquiry sent out by the FCC in the last two months. After a complaint is filed, the letter is essentially the FCC's first step in following up on a complaint if the Enforcement Bureau deems that it merits further inquiry. It is a step the FCC has heretofore been reluctant to take.