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Parents Television Council - Because Our Children Are Watching

PTC Insider Article
March 2003


Letter from PTC President Brent Bozell Concerning the FCC

Dear Friend of the PTC:

How many times have you seen something vile on television and said to yourself, "They shouldn't be allowed to show that on TV!"  Well, the simple truth is – they're not!   

What many people don't realize is that there is actually a law against broadcasting indecent and obscene programming, and Congress has given the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) the mandate to enforce that law. 

So why is there still so much foul language, graphic sex and violence on television?  It's because the broadcast networks know that the law is not being enforcedThe FCC has not imposed a single fine or other punishment on any TV station in the continental U.S. in the entire history of its enforcement bureau.  What the FCC is saying, in fact, is that everything is acceptable – decent – on television.  They're saying there's nothing wrong.

What the FCC is not doing is disgraceful.

Every day our children are being fed a steady diet of garbage that the networks, in reality, shouldn't be allowed to show.  And the effects of that content on those impressionable youngsters are devastating.  Don't we owe it to our children to do everything we can to shield them from that influence and to protect their innocence for as long as we possibly can?

 I know you agree with me.  That's why you became a member of the PTC. 

The PTC has been leading the battle to clean up TV for years, but we can't do it alone.  If there's a government agency whose job is to help protect that innocence, shouldn't we do everything in our power to get them to do their job?  

That's why last month the PTC launched a massive, multi-year, nationwide grassroots initiative to demand the FCC do its job.  We're going to do whatever it takes to hold this agency accountable for its failure to enforce the law.

We've given you several "take-action" ideas in this month's Insider, and we'll keep you apprised of our progress in upcoming issues.  I'll also encourage you to visit our website frequently http://www.parentstv.org/ptc/fcc/main.asp for updates on our campaign, to file a complaint with the FCC online, and to learn how you can get involved.  I hope you'll join us in this important effort. 

Until next month,

L. Brent Bozell

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