Jun 5th, 2007 · A federal appeals panel ruled that blurted obscenities do not violate decency standards. The decision was a strong rebuke of the Federal Communications Commission. Under President Bush, the FCC has taken a much harder line on airing profanities -- even unscripted expletives during live broadcasts.
Mar 2nd, 2007 · When Elizabeth Venable used profanity near small children at a Southern California airport, authorities charged her under a law banning "disorderly, obnoxious, or indecent acts." She sued and prosecutors wound up dropping the charges. But Venable says she will pursue her suit in a bid to make a statement about free speech.
Nov 9th, 2006 · In an apparent reversal of its former policy, the Federal Communications Commission said Tuesday that profanity is acceptable on the airwaves, if it occurs on a program that the FCC deems a news program. FCC Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein talks about the FCC's new position.
Apr 27th, 2005 · ClearPlay produces digital filters that sanitize DVDs by screening out the sex, violence and profanity. Some in the movie industry have tried to sue over copyright infringements, but Congress has passed legislation that allows companies like ClearPlay to sell such products.
Nov 11th, 2004 · More than 20 stations affiliated with the ABC network decline to carry the network's broadcast Thursday of Saving Private Ryan. A contract requires that the movie be shown unedited, and some stations object its repeated profanity. NPR's Neda Ulaby reports.