ABC draws heavy FCC indecency fine for nudity

WASHINGTON — The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued a $1.43 million indecency fine against 52 ABC affiliates Jan. 25 for airing nudity during an episode of “NYPD Blue” in 2003, marking the second-largest indecency fine ever proposed for a television broadcaster. Though ABC has said it will appeal the ruling, The Wall Street Journal said the fine is “notable for its size and because it could signal the beginning of a new round of indecency fines that may soon emanate from the agency.”

“Our action today should serve as a reminder to all broadcasters that Congress and American families continue to be concerned about protecting children from harmful material and that the FCC will enforce the laws of the land vigilantly,” FCC commissioner Deborah Taylor Tate said in a statement.