Panel backs tough indecency policy

The Senate Commerce Committee approved a bill to give federal regulators the authority to enforce a tougher broadcast indecency policy in hopes of reversing a recent court ruling.

The bill, sponsored by Sen. John D. Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.), directs the Federal Communications Commission to maintain a policy that a single word or image can be enough to trigger indecency fines.

Broadcasters strongly oppose the legislation, which passed by a unanimous voice vote.

Broadcasters had sued the FCC after it ruled in March 2006 that nearly any use of certain expletives were indecent, even when uttered impromptu. A federal court overturned the policy in June, sparking outrage from FCC Chairman Kevin J. Martin and proponents of cleaner airwaves.