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Monday, January 16, 2012

My Debate with Media Lawyer: Who Won?

In case you missed last week's post covering the suit before the Supreme Court, I discussed it on my local news with a media lawyer. His argument was flimsy, at best, citing some nonsense about networks having no idea what 'indecent' material could be viewed as. We did agree on one point, however: The free market will make sure any over-the-top content aired on broadcast television is not aired. Advertisers don't want to be associated with what the mass public views as offensive, and if consumers aren't happy, no one wins. Let's be clear about one thing: This lawsuit isn't about freedom of expression. It's about money.


 


What say you? Do the federally-funded public airwaves demand the same attention and accountability as any other commodity we invest in? Should advertisers and networks be held to a higher standard than paid cable?

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Broadcast networks can and MUST be held to a higher standard than cable/satellite TV/radio providers. The broadcasters use the public place known as the airwaves, which legally and in reality are NO different than a public street, sidewalk, park etc. Plus, they also go into the privacy of EVERYONE'S home, whether they want it or not. Cable and satellite only go to consenting adults who pay to subscribe.