HELPFUL RESOURCES

New Web Site for Broadcast Indecency Complaints
-- Citizenlink.org (10/7/05)

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) launched a user-friendly Web page today, designed to both educate the public about the laws governing obscene, indecent and profane material on the nation's airwaves and to help people better understand the process of filing complaints.

It also contains historical data on the number of complaints, as well as the actions taken by the FCC dating back to 1993.

Penny Nance, a special advisor at the FCC, said the goal is to make the complaint process "expeditious and transparent."

"In the past, American families have had a difficult time understanding exactly how to file a complaint and what information to include," she said. "Now, with the new website, they can pull up a form, fill it out in a couple of minutes and make their voice heard in the click of a mouse."

Daniel Weiss, senior analyst for media and sexuality at Focus on the Family Action, said it's rare for the FCC to exhibit this kind of openness to public comment.

"This new responsiveness is a dramatic shift for the FCC, which for too long has been antagonistic to punishing broadcast indecency," he said. "By making the rules and procedures clear and accessible, the FCC is sending a message that it takes its job -- and Americans' concern -- seriously."

He said there appear to be new levels of accountability in place as well as a realization that people need to better understand what the procedures are, how long the process takes and where they can check the status of their complaints.

Bookmark this new FCC web form in your favorites and use it to report any program you think crosses the line.

How Did They Vote?

See how your federal elected officials voted in Washington on issues you care about.
click here