Federal Communications Commission vs. Fox Television Stations Inc
In the case of the Federal Communications Commission vs. Fox Television Stations Inc., I will discuss the background and the role of the FCC in the United States, the history of Fox Television Stations Inc. and analyze the arguments of both sides. Based on those arguments I will answer the question did the Supreme Court get it right on the decision of this case.
“The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) was created when Congress passed the Communications Act in 1934 which abolished the Federal Radio Commission and transferred jurisdiction of radio licensing to the Federal Communications Commission. This also included the telecommunications jurisdiction which was previously handled by the Interstate Commerce Commission. The Communications Act focused on telecommunications by using concepts borrowed from the railroad legislation and contained provisions very similar to the Radio Act of 1927” (www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Communications_Commission).
Today the FCC is an independent agency inside the United States government. “It is responsible for regulating interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite and cable” (www.fcc.gov). The agency’s jurisdiction covers all fifty states and other areas belonging to the United States. “Their mission is to be an agent of positive change, strive for continuous improvement in management and in program operations” (www.fcc.gov). “The organization is directed by five Commissioners appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate for a five year term” (www.fcc.gov). The President designates one of the Commissioners to serve as the Chairperson. Only three Commissioners may be members of the same political party and none can have a financial interest and/or gain in any business related to the FCC. As the chief executive officer of the Commission, the Chairperson delegates management and administrative responsibilities to the Managing Director. The Commissioners
“The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) was created when Congress passed the Communications Act in 1934 which abolished the Federal Radio Commission and transferred jurisdiction of radio licensing to the Federal Communications Commission. This also included the telecommunications jurisdiction which was previously handled by the Interstate Commerce Commission. The Communications Act focused on telecommunications by using concepts borrowed from the railroad legislation and contained provisions very similar to the Radio Act of 1927” (www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Communications_Commission).
Today the FCC is an independent agency inside the United States government. “It is responsible for regulating interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite and cable” (www.fcc.gov). The agency’s jurisdiction covers all fifty states and other areas belonging to the United States. “Their mission is to be an agent of positive change, strive for continuous improvement in management and in program operations” (www.fcc.gov). “The organization is directed by five Commissioners appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate for a five year term” (www.fcc.gov). The President designates one of the Commissioners to serve as the Chairperson. Only three Commissioners may be members of the same political party and none can have a financial interest and/or gain in any business related to the FCC. As the chief executive officer of the Commission, the Chairperson delegates management and administrative responsibilities to the Managing Director. The Commissioners
References: • Federal Communications Commission v. Fox Television Stations, Inc, 556 U.S. ____ (2009). • Federal Communications Commission – About Us. (February 3, 2009). Retrieved September 23, 2009, from the Federal Communications Commission: http://www.fcc.gov. • Federal Communications Commission. (n.d.). Retrieved September 23, 2009, from Wikipedia: http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Communications_Commission. • Fox Television Stations. (n.d.). Retrieved September 23, 2009, from Wikipedia: http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fox_Television_Stations. • (2009). Rupert Murdoch. The New York Times, Retrieved from: http://topics.nytimes.com. • Federal Communications Commission v. Fox Television Stations. (n.d.). Retrieved September 23, 2009, from Scotuswiki: http://www.scotuswiki.com/index.php?title=FCC_v._Fox_Television_Stations. • Kara Rowland (2009). TV Networks Battle FCC Indecency Rules. The Washington Times, Retrieved from: http://washingtontimes.com/news/2008/nov/03/tv-networks-battle-fcc-indecency-rules/.