US court tosses ABC indecency fine over NYPD Blue
US court tosses ABC indecency fine over NYPD Blue
January 05, 2011 / 10:08 IST
A federal appeals court threw out a USD 1.21 million penalty against 44 ABC television stations for violating broadcast indecency standards by showing an "NYPD Blue" episode that depicted a woman's nude buttocks.
Tuesday's decision arose from the appeals court's ruling last July that the indecency policy under which the US Federal Communications Commission had assessed the penalty was unconstitutionally vague.The FCC imposed in February 2008 a USD 27,500 fine against each of the 44 ABC affiliates for showing the "NYPD Blue" episode five years earlier. Walt Disney Co owns ABC."We are extremely gratified at the court's clearly correct ruling," said Seth Waxman, a partner at law firm WilmerHale and former US solicitor general, who represents ABC.The FCC did not immediately return calls seeking a comment.The regulator tightened its indecency policy in 2004 after the on-air use of profanity by U2 lead singer Bono and Janet Jackson's breast-baring at the 2004 Super Bowl.But the 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals, in a case involving News Corp's Fox Television, CBS Corp and others, said in July that policy violated the First Amendment and created "a chilling effect" on broadcasts.The "NYPD Blue" episode showed Connie McDowell, a character who had moved in with detective Andy Sipowicz, disrobing as she prepared to shower and being seen by Sipowicz's young son.Both characters were embarrassed and ABC said the scene was intended to show the awkwardness between a child and his father's new romantic partner.In Tuesday's ruling, the appeals court found "no significant distinction" between the "NYPD Blue" case and the "fleeting expletives" at issue in the Fox case. Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
