Congress approves increase in indecency fines

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate voted May 18 to significantly increase the penalty to radio and television broadcasters for airing “indecency.” Passed unanimously by a voice vote, the Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act raises the maximum penalty to $325,000 for each violation. Currently the Federal Communications Commission can fine a broadcaster $32,500 per incident.

In 2005, the House of Representatives passed legislation that could increase the fine to $500,000 per incident, after pop star Janet Jackson’s infamous “wardrobe malfunction” during a Super Bowl halftime show. A House-Senate conference committee will now work out the differences between the two versions and send the bill to President George W. Bush, who is expected to sign it.