The part-cheesy, part-steamy pregame skit that caused a media firestorm in November of last year has gotten by the censors. Today the Federal Communications Commission, the governmental body responsible for policing “indecency” on the airwaves, gave ABC the “all clear” by stating that it would not be fining its networks for running the November 15th vignette involving Philadelphia Eagles’ receiver Terrell Owens and Desperate Housewives‘ actress Nicollette Sheridan.
Go for it, Terrell! The FCC approves of a potential relationship between you and Nicollette Sheridan. [Photo:
CBS.]
The FCC’s unanimous ruling gets ABC affiliates off the hook for fines that could have been as high as $32,500 per station if the Commission had found the material “indecent”. A number of people complained to the FCC about the skit, many parents stating that when they sit down to Monday Night Football with their children they can’t expect that sort of thing. While the whole thing may have been in bad taste or downright stupid, it is hard to say that it was “indecent” by normal standards; Sheridan’s bare back was exposed and the piece was suggestive but it was hardly a graphic spot — the TV spot I mean! — which was a far cry from the now infamous Janet Jackson Super Bowl gaffe.
Reuters reports:
We conclude that the material in question is not patently offensive, and thus, not indecent,” the FCC decision said. “In particular, the ‘Monday Night Football’ segment, although sexually suggestive, is not graphic or explicit.”
FCC Chairman Michael Powell had said soon after the incident that he found the segment “very disappointing,” and ABC, which is owned by Walt Disney Co., had apologized for the incident. Powell is leaving the FCC this week to join Aspen Institute to advise on communications matters.
Television and radio broadcasters are barred from airing indecent content, which often includes extensive profanity and sexually explicit material, except between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. when children are less likely to be watching or listening.
Nathan Novak at 1:28 pm
