 | Can the government ban indecency on TV?
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Background
| On January 10, 2012, the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments over whether the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) can constitutionally prohibit television broadcasters from broadcasting nudity and adult language over the public airwaves. The case, FCC vs Fox Television Stations, et al, involves the First Amendment's guarantees of free speech and press and the government's role in regulating broadcast television. Should people be able to say whatever they want on TV? Do current FCC regulations violate the First Amendment? You decide by watching these videos, reading the articles, and participating in a moot Supreme Court hearing on the issue in your classroom. |
Background Video (2 minutes)
· Background reading from USA Today
·· Background Reading from the Washington Post
··· Background Reading from the First Amendment Center
YES (FCC) The government can ban indecency on broadcast television without violating the First Amendment.
| NO (Fox) The government cannot ban indecency on TV without violating the First Amendment.
Editorials opposing the FCC's ban on indecency |