The FCC has approved widespread use of the F-word in broadcasts-Truth! & Fiction!

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission Has Officially Approved the Use of the F-word on Any TV or Radio Show-Truth! & Fiction!

Summary of the eRumor
The eRumor says that the FCC has decided to allow the use of the F-word on any TV or radio show at any time of day or night.
It's in the form of an appeal from the American Family Association urging citizens to complain to the FCC and to members of congress.

The Truth
An FCC decision about a particular occurrence of the F-word on a telecast has sparked controversy, but it isn't accurate to say that the FCC has approved blanket use of the F-word on radio and television.

It was during the Golden Globes Awards telecast on January 19, 2003 that Bono of the band U2 told the audience "this is really, really, f___ing brilliant"" The FCC said the comment was also reported as "this is f___ing great."
There were numerous complaints.
The FCC issued a ruling that said Bono used the word as an adjective and not to describe sexual or excretory organs or activities, which is the FCC's key test for broadcast indecency.
In it's ruling, the FCC said that such "fleeting and isolated remarks of this nature do not warrant Commission action."

Still, critics are saying that even the use of the F-word as an adjective has not been that common on broadcasts, primarily because of fear of running afoul of the FCC and they fear this will mark a change.

The FCC responds to complaints of viewers and listeners and rulings regarding objectionable words and scenes have been made before, especially about radio programs.
An FCC decision is not the only one affecting what is broadcast.
There are also local or state laws that are a part of the picture as well as the decisions and standards of broadcast organizations...not to mention the public.

Last updated 11/24/03

A real example of the eRumor as it has appeared on the Internet:

FCC APPROVES USE OF THE "F" WORD ON TV AND RADIO!

IMMEDIATE ACTION NEEDED NOW!

The Federal Communications Commission has approved the use of the "F" word
for use on any TV show or radio program, ANYTIME DAY OR NIGHT!

The FCC said the word can be used whenever desired except in sexual
situations!

>>That means that real soon you will be watching a sit-com on TV, or news,
or any drama or movie-ANY PROGRAM-and it's ok! Hollywood is rejoicing!

>>Soon, when you are driving your kids to school you will be listening
to a song which makes extensive use of the word.

>>Shock jocks such as Howard Stern are now free to use any language,
no matter how vile and repugnant, on their radio shows. And use it they will.

>>No longer will movies shown on TV have to be edited because of language.

WE MUST ACT NOW TO STOP THIS!

Send your letter to your Congressman, Senators and members of the
FCC. Let them know that you want this stopped-NOW!

Please send you letter now. And please forward this letter to your email
list asking them to get involved.

If it isn’t stopped now, in a few months verbal pornography will rule the
airways!

Please act today. Help us get 1,000,000 email letters to members of
Congress, Senators and FCC Commissioners.

Thanks for getting involved!

Don

Donald E. Wildmon, Founder and Chairman
American Family Association