[Qcwa] TV = Radio = 75 meters = HBO

Wed, 17 Dec 2003 07:59:19 -0600

While I in no way support the Enforcement Bureau's action and Memorandum
Opinion and Order (MO&O), I find it difficult to put the blame totally on
the FCC. The FCC is an agency that after all is only empowered to enforce
what the law of the land allows. The MO&O by the way is certainly
appealable. Let me point out a couple of things that might be worth
considering in the overall context of this subject of indecency:

   Read the law and note how many times the phrase "as measured by
   contemporary community standards" is used. Translation - We get what we
   allow
   Listen to 75 meters sometime or 20 meters during a contest and see how
   many times the same word or similar repulsive words are used. I refer
   you back to "as measured by contemporary community standards".
   Translation - We get what we allow
   Read Enforcement Bureau EB-00-1H-0089 for a definition of the FCC policy
   on Obscene and Indecent Broadcasts
   http://www.fcc.gov/eb/broadcast/obscind.html. Also note how many cases
   that the EB has contended with just in 2003. I wonder if "as measured by
   contemporary community standards" has anything to do with this.
   Translation - We get what we allow

If the amateur community is saddened by MO&O actions such as the one cited
here, then let us take the initiative to write our government officials of
course expressing our opinion as this great country allows. However we can
make a more immediate difference at the local level by deciding that such
offensive behavior is not something that is allowed "as measured by
contemporary community standards".

73s and tnx for giving me the forum to express some thoughts.

Bill - K5MWC

                      "W1EOF"                                                                                                          
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                      12/17/2003 01:39                                                                                                 
                      AM                                                                                                               
                      Please respond to                                                                                                
                      qcwa                                                                                                             

Wow. I just found out that it's perfectly OK to use the F-word on broadcast
television, radio, and amateur radio too. It's been authorized by the FCC,
as long as you are not referring to a sexual act.

I'd suggest you do the following:

1. Read the FCC decision in txt, html, doc, or pdf format.
   http://www.fcc.gov/eb/Orders/2003/DA-03-3045A1.html

2. Write to your congressman and tell him how you feel about the airwaves
being treated in this manner.

I'm no prude and have been known to use some "colorful" language in the
proper company and circumstances. This has nothing to do with "free speech"
it's got to do with common decency and respect. At least that's the way I
see it.

Let me say it again... wow.

73,

Mark W1EOF

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