WASHINGTON, D.C. – Michael Copps believes that the promise of a family friendly channel lineup is not enough to protect the innocence of youth and the sanctity of the family. The Federal Communication Commission member wants Congress to pass an anti-indecency bill that would limit sexual content on television, regardless of cable promises to offer packages specifically designed for those who wish to avoid more mature fare.On Monday, Comcast Corp. and Time Warner Inc., the two biggest providers of cable TV programming, promised to make customized “family-friendly” channel line-ups available to subscribers. Nonetheless, Copps, a Democrat, insisted to a Senate Commerce Committee in Washington DC that legislation is necessary.
Senate panel chairman Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) indicated that a vote on any legislation was unlikely this month, although four possible indecency on TV bills are under consideration. According to Stevens, “very good progress” is being made by cable companies. He believes that the providers should be given an opportunity to implement their new offerings.
Copps, who has been reappointed to the FCC board, is joined by Republican hopeful Deborah Taylor Tate, a Tennessee utility regulator supported by Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.). Although Tate admitted that she is still learning about the issue and was thus unable to answer many committee questions, Copps’ recommendations reflect the FCC’s support for Republican Chairman Kevin J. Martin’s legislative solution to potential viewing of adult programming by minors.
A decision about Tate’s confirmation is expected by Thursday and should be followed by a full Senate vote by December 25. If Tate is accepted as an FCC board member, it would create a 2-2 major party division for the agency. A fifth seat remains vacant, awaiting a Republican nomination by President Bush.
