Republican’s plan would raise maximum fine tenfold

Legislation aimed at raising fines tenfold for indecent acts on broadcast television and radio is due to be unveiled Wednesday by Sen. Sam Brownback, a Kansas Republican, his spokesman Aaron Groote said Tuesday.

Brownback’s legislation would raise the maximum possible fine to $325,000 per violation with a maximum of $3 million per continuing violation, according to a draft of the measure obtained by Reuters Tuesday. The maximum now is $32,500 per violation.

Lawmakers and Federal Communications Commission officials have been seeking significantly higher fines as a way to deter broadcasters after a rash of incidents, including nudity and profanity on television.

Congress adjourned last year without acting on legislation that could have raised fines to as much as $500,000 per violation and a maximum of $3 million per continuing violation.

So far, five senators have agreed to cosponsor Brownback’s bill; Democrat Sen. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut and Republican Sens. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, George Allen of Virginia, Jim DeMint of South Carolina, and Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania, Groote said.

A spokesman for the House Energy and Commerce Committee had no immediate comment on plans in the House for legislation to increase indecency fines...

Reuters, MSNBC, Jan. 25, 2005

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