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…