Did the FCC change the rules?

So why were they suddenly able to use this magical "curse word" on the show all of a sudden without bleeping them out? Did the FCC just change the regulations? Or is it just a change in Comedy Central's policy?

Here in Canada, our cable comedy network has been airing that word, and the nastier "f---" word since its inception. Didn't Kids In The Hall (on CBC) use that word regularly even before then?

It's almost like the townspeople in the episode became a bunch of Beavis 'n Buttheads in their excitement over that word being mentioned on TV.

They've used the word 'shit' before, IIRC.

FCC hasn't changed anything. Comedy Central just likes publicity.

Yes. And when they use it on Comedy Central, however rarely, it gets bleeped.

That was the point.

Actually, they can do it on American television, and has for years. The problem is with American Advertisers and parental groups. After 10:00pm, anything goes. But alot of cable television would get heat and would have their advertisers pull. Watch A&E, I have never seen an edited movie on there. Also, on the History channel, it aired when president Johnson (I think) back in the 70's said "Shit or get off the pot."

FCC "seven dirty words" rules only apply to "broadcast" televison. If you have to pay for it, they can say and do almost anything.

On Thu, 21 Jun 2001 04:19:45 GMT, "Bill K." wrote:

That's more or less true, however, Bravo, which is also a basic cable service, edits out nudity from the films they show, and American Movie Classics, also basic, edits out "shit" and other words on a regular basis. It pretty much depends on the network, I guess. Technically, from what I understand, the FCC "seven dirty word rules" are not rules, per se, but merely guidelines. They really don't have much enforcement power, it's just the fact that many advertisers have problems with "bad" language, and network TV will do anything to make the advertisers happy.

BINGO! Couldn't have said it better myself.

Plus it takes an actual complaint from someone to the FCC for them to take any action - u can say shit fuck and have all the nudity you want - as long as no one complains

That's always been my philosophy:-)

Now, just why would advertisers have problems with such language? They know who the target audience is for the programs they sponsor, and it's not like they'll boycott their products for it.

On Thu, 21 Jun 2001 04:52:11 -0400, Eric the Fish wrote:

I remember a couple of years ago, NBC aired "Schindler's List" completely unedited for nudity and profanity. I don't remember the exact time slot, but it was during prime time.

Personally, I think it's quite bizarre that our society places such a taboo on profanity and nudity, yet violence on TV is acceptable. No wonder our country is so fucked up.

I seem to remember the movie "M*A*S*H" airing at about 2:00 AM on ABC, and the word "fuck" got through (during the football game - "All right, bub, your fuckin' head is comin' right off!!"). Either someone was asleep at the switch, or the rules are different after 10:00 PM.

South Park airs within the FCC's "safe harbor" period of 10 pm-6 am. (10:30 pm Eastern/Pacific).

There are only three dirty words left of the original seven technically.

Two in Canada during daytime hours.