The Federal Communications Commission has fined a television station $325,000 for allegedly broadcasting “extremely graphic and explicit sexual material”, i.e., indecent material. The amount of the fine, underlying facts and the Commission’s reasoning for issuing the fine raise serious concerns:
Rini O'Neil, PC
Rini O'Neil, PC is a legal publisher that provides analysis and commentary on regulatory and litigation issues primarily related to communications law. The organization covers topics such as Federal Communications Commission (FCC) enforcement actions, broadcast indecency standards, copyright law as it applies to broadcasting and new technologies, and policy changes affecting broadcasters and wireless internet service providers (WISPs). Its content often addresses the intersection of law, technology, and media, including detailed discussions of court decisions, FCC rulemakings, and industry implications. The publisher serves legal professionals, broadcasters, and stakeholders interested in communications regulation and media law.
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Lessons from Aereo: Laws, Litigation and Loopholes
In a case with far-reaching implications for the television business, for cloud computing and for new technologies, the U.S. Supreme Court found that Aereo’s online video service infringed copyrights held by television producers, broadcasters, marketers and distributors in broadcast television…
DEATH BY A THOUSAND CUTS: FCC ELIMINATES THE ZAPPLE DOCTRINE
The FCC has eliminated the Zapple Doctrine, bringing to a close the last vestige of the Fairness Doctrine. The Zapple Doctrine required that when a broadcaster provided time to a spokesperson or supporter of one candidate to discuss the…
FCC Reopens; Issues Guidance on Revised Filing Deadlines
Now that this month’s Federal Government shutdown is over, and after a 16-day suspension in normal operations, the Federal Communications Commission has issued a Public Notice announcing revised deadlines for submitting certain FCC filings. The changes were needed because many…
A Role for WISPs in FirstNet
By Rebecca Rini
In recent months, WISPs have been sharing their ideas and concerns about FirstNet and its effect on the WISP industry. As you may know, Congress gave FirstNet $2 billion dollars and an IOU for $5 billion more to establish a…
U.S. SUPREME COURT UPHOLDS FCC'S TIME LIMITS ON WIRELESS SITING APPLICATIONS
Leonard Bernstein reportedly said that to achieve great things, two things are needed: a plan, and not quite enough time.
In that vein, the U.S. Supreme Court, by a 6-3 vote, has upheld the Federal Communications Commission’s interpretation of provisions…
FCC's Outage Reporting Rules Take Effect for Interconnected VoIP Services
In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy and other recent natural disasters, there is increasing focus on how communications networks weather these storms. In addition to significant, sometimes catastrophic, harm to life and property, severe weather events also sometimes create significant…
Will the FCC and the FAA Allow Expanded Use of Wireless Devices on Airplanes?
Here’s an important announcement for gadget-laden air travelers: Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski reportedly has asked the Federal Aviation Administration to “enable greater use of tablets, e-readers, and other portable devices during flights.” As travelers know well, the FCC…
TV Station Public Files Go Online for Inspection
By Rini Coran & PC
Today is the effective date for the FCC’s rules requiring TV broadcasters to post their local public inspection file online at a site maintained by the FCC. Late last week, the court denied broadcasters’ request for a stay of this…
U.S. Supreme Court Sides with Broadcasters in Indecency Cases
Today, the Federal Communications Commission’s broadcast indecency policy received, at most, a glancing blow from the U.S. Supreme Court.
In a sharply limited decision, the Court, by an 8-0 vote (with Justice Sotomayor not participating) and for the second time…