IRVINE, CA–The Senate bill passed last Thursday boosting fines against media companies that violate “indecency” standards is an ominous attack on the freedom of speech protected by the First Amendment.
Just as the government doesn’t fine newspapers that publish cartoons that some Muslims deem indecent, it shouldn’t fine broadcasters that air shows that some viewers deem indecent. Viewers are free to change the channel or turn off their TV set if they do not like what they see. They can’t be forced to patronize a station they find indecent.
Moreover, it is the parents–not the government–who should be responsible for determining what their children are allowed to watch on TV.
