Sens. Rockefeller (D-W. Va.) and Hutchison (R-Tex.) introduced le...

fines for indecency violations to $500,000, with a cap of $3 million. The FCC could double fines for egregious incidents, such as when indecent material is scripted. The bill would require the FCC to study the V-chip, viewed by some senators as inadequate blocking technology, and have the FCC identify more effective means of blocking. Broadcasters would have to double the amount of children’s programming it offers, to 6 hours from 3. The bill would encourage NAB to reestablish its voluntary code of conduct and would instruct the FCC to assess and report the effectiveness of TV ratings. The FCC would have to assess and report to Congress the feasibility of more rigorous rating systems from nonindustry sources such as advocacy organizations. Local broadcasters would also have more leeway to refuse indecent and violent content from networks. “Congress has been reluctant to take on the issue of violence because defining decency is difficult. I understand that these are hard lines to draw, but just because they are difficult doesn’t mean that we should sit by and do nothing,” Rockefeller said. Senate Commerce Committee Chmn. Stevens (R-Alaska) has also recently said that more must be done to help parents protect children from indecent programming on cable, though he has emphasized an industry solution over legislation. But during a breakfast address Wed., Stevens said he was interested in Rockefeller’s bill and would consider expanding indecency definitions to include violence. (CD March 17 p4)