Sam Brownback: “It is an issue of fines and decency on over-the-air broadcasts-- whether it be radio or television. I think it is…”

“It is an issue of fines and decency on over-the-air broadcasts-- whether it be radio or television. I think it is important to put my comments in context today by explaining the policy history of this issue; that is, decency on over-the-air public airwaves. At the invention of television, our Nation established a public policy of providing citizens with free over-the-air television. It gave broadcasters wishing to provide that service with the use of valuable spectrum. Not everyone can broadcast over the Nation's public airwaves. These are airwaves owned by the public. That is why the statute requires the Federal Communications Commission to evaluate not just the ability but the character of an entity to operate. When handing out a broadcast license, in return for a license, each broadcaster agrees not to air indecent or obscene content between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.”