In 2004, The Federal Communications Commission decided to include the "F-word" and "S-word" in their definition of indecent material as a response to Richie's use of both words at the 2003 Billboard Music Awards and Cher's use of the "F-word" during the 2002 Billboard Music Awards.
This decision overturns the U.S. 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals decision against the FCC--which said there could be some toleration of expletives--but the Supreme Court failed to answer the constitutional question of whether the zero tolerance indecency policy violates the 1st Amendment. The question will have to be answered by the circuit court, which will likely be a lengthy process.
Based on the ruling, each expletive aired will cost broadcasters $325,000.
Twitter users responded harshly to the decision:
SoItsComeToThis Anyone (besides me) a little annoyed w/ the SCOTUS FCC v Fox decision? What a cop-out! Although it could've been a pro-censorship ruling.
AVGVST Dear FCC - "fleeting expletives" don't destroy American families. Grow the F*ck up.
ageman The FCC should also consider blasphemies, the B word and other extras. We should pray for that. Although the world likes it's words
adrock44 "Thank you Paul Pierce for saying "aw shoot" in your post game interview"-- The FCC
schillingfan RT @Shoq: Scalia court found it acceptable the FCC to fine media for accidental bad words. fuck that.//Scalia is flaming conceited prick
ajquest http://bit.ly/YoeNV Wow a close call. And Thomas wrote a concurring. Go figure. Score one for the FCC
johnsonzkid omg yall. i really can't do this anymore. there's not THAT MUCH to say about the FCC
bruzer35 Wondering why I have to put up with erectile dysfunction and diarrhea ads while the FCC cries about the "f" and "s" words....gross.
alyssamwbc Craig Ferguson flipping off the camera in protest against the FCC is hilarious hehe
griswold oh shit, here comes the FCC again: http://bit.ly/glWCX
