Wed Feb 16, 2005 7:47 PM GMT
WASHINGTON (
Reuters) - The U.S. House of Representatives has overwhelmingly passed legislation to hike fines to as much as $500,000 (
£265, 125 ) on broadcasters and entertainers who violate decency limits on air.
For the second time in 12 months, House
lawmakers voted on Wednesday to boost fines and require the Federal Communications Commission to consider revoking a broadcaster's license after three violations of indecency rules. Wednesday's vote was 389-38.
Broadcasters are barred from airing indecent material, typically of a sexual or profane nature, except during late-night hours when children are less likely to be in the audience. The limits do not apply to cable and satellite television and radio services.
The current maximum fine is $32,500. Last year the House and Senate were unable to reach a compromise on legislation to boost fines despite several high-profile incidents.
Other House provisions would require the FCC to act on complaints within six months, consider violations when stations want to renew or modify their licenses and give the agency the power to require stations to run public service announcements.
Lawmakers in the Senate have introduced legislation that would hike indecency fines tenfold to $325,000 per incident and up to $3 million for a continuing violation. It does not include the provision on license revocation.
The House and Senate would have to work out any differences before a bill could be forwarded to President George W. Bush for his review.
Bush last month urged parents to turn off their televisions if shows violate their standards.
The Bush administration expressed support for the bill but also said it "looks forward to continuing to work with the Congress to make appropriate adjustments to the language of the bill as it moves through the legislative process."
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