Washington – Federal regulators have concluded that Hollywood’s efforts to shield children from violent TV shows have failed and that Congress should authorize government action.
The Federal Communications Commission report, released Wednesday, promises to kick off a fierce fight that could end up in the Supreme Court.
Citing university and government studies, the FCC concluded that violent programming was harmful to children and said Congress could craft limits that wouldn’t violate First Amendment rights.
Specifically, the report said, lawmakers have the authority to give the agency the power to restrict when broadcasters can air excessive gore and mayhem.
The FCC also determined that Congress can require cable and satellite providers to allow viewers to purchase only the channels they want, giving them the chance to opt out of certain kinds of programming.
Without voluntary action, FCC Chairman Kevin Martin said, Congress could require those changes. He expected a legal challenge should Congress act on the recommendations, “but that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t still try to do something.”
The FCC did not define violence in its report.
