My organization is mobilizing people to speak up and fight back. We have two current actions -- those of you who are pissed off, well, do something about it.
First, you can write your Senator and ask them to vote against the Broadcast Indecency Enforcement Act. (http://speakspeak.org/senators/)
Then, you can help put a stop to the Parents Television Council's hijacking of the complaint process. (Remember the PTC? They're responsible for 99.9% of FCC complaints? Ring a bell?)
Anyway, they're currently pushing for the maximum fine against CBS and all of its affiliates as punishment for the CSI episode that ran on 2/17. We're fighting back with a letter explaining why the episode was not indecent. http://speakspeak.org/letter/
The FCC is required to evaluate indecency complaints using "contemporary community standards." If the only community they hear from is the PTC, we're all screwed.
Those in favor need not to complain. We need to help the FCC interpret its mandate of regulating content that may be "patently offensive."
That's all the guidance they're given -- "patently offensive."
And when 99% of their mail comes from a group that finds bare shoulders "patently offensive," their so-called enforcement is going to be skewed.
Already this year, the FCC has levied over $2.1 million in fines because of the fringe groups' mobilization. The 2003 total was a mere $440,000.
If we mobilize, let them know that censorship isn't the political will of the people (or at least all people), then we at least stand a chance of not being drowned out.
For a larf, check out the PTC's letters of complaint, many of which can be found at http://thesmokinggun.com
STOP THE PRESSES!!
We're on our way, promise. We are SpeakSpeak (and so are you!).
SpeakSpeak.org will be functional by early January. From SpeakSpeak's site, you will be able to generate a personalized letter to FCC board members, advertisers, and your own personal political representatives thanking them for protecting free speech and for standing up to religious fringe groups.
Like I said, the site will be fully up by January, barring disasters.
By the end of this week, you will be able to sign up for 100%-ironclad-never-sold-or-shared email updates at speakspeak.org.
Hey, maybe I'll even get that done tonight....
Slashdot Mirror
LA Times
U of W
There was a Variety article too, but I can't find it -- my sub has lapsed. (Or maybe it was the Hollywood Reporter...)
A group of broadcasters is expected to try this within the next couple months. Stay tuned.
My organization is mobilizing people to speak up and fight back. We have two current actions -- those of you who are pissed off, well, do something about it.
First, you can write your Senator and ask them to vote against the Broadcast Indecency Enforcement Act. (http://speakspeak.org/senators/)
Then, you can help put a stop to the Parents Television Council's hijacking of the complaint process. (Remember the PTC? They're responsible for 99.9% of FCC complaints? Ring a bell?)
Anyway, they're currently pushing for the maximum fine against CBS and all of its affiliates as punishment for the CSI episode that ran on 2/17. We're fighting back with a letter explaining why the episode was not indecent. http://speakspeak.org/letter/
The FCC is required to evaluate indecency complaints using "contemporary community standards." If the only community they hear from is the PTC, we're all screwed.
So, fight back. Please.
That's all the guidance they're given -- "patently offensive."
And when 99% of their mail comes from a group that finds bare shoulders "patently offensive," their so-called enforcement is going to be skewed.
Already this year, the FCC has levied over $2.1 million in fines because of the fringe groups' mobilization. The 2003 total was a mere $440,000.
If we mobilize, let them know that censorship isn't the political will of the people (or at least all people), then we at least stand a chance of not being drowned out.
For a larf, check out the PTC's letters of complaint, many of which can be found at http://thesmokinggun.com
And remeber SpeakSpeak!
STOP THE PRESSES!! We're on our way, promise. We are SpeakSpeak (and so are you!). SpeakSpeak.org will be functional by early January. From SpeakSpeak's site, you will be able to generate a personalized letter to FCC board members, advertisers, and your own personal political representatives thanking them for protecting free speech and for standing up to religious fringe groups. Like I said, the site will be fully up by January, barring disasters. By the end of this week, you will be able to sign up for 100%-ironclad-never-sold-or-shared email updates at speakspeak.org. Hey, maybe I'll even get that done tonight....