WASHINGTON--Bubba will pay. The Federal Communications Commission has announced the highest fine ever levided against a broadcaster. According to CNSNews.com the FCC fined Clear Channel radio stations in Florida $755,000 for broadcast indecency.
The fine stems from a "Bubba the Love Sponge" program, which aired on several Clear Channel stations over a period of several days. The FCC reported 26 violations involving graphic and explicitly sexual and excretory references.
"By today's action, we provide yet another example of this Commission's commitment to enforce its rules and regulations—especially as it relates to indecent programming engulfing our broadcast airwaves," FCC Chairman Michael Powell said in a statement.
The Mississippi-based American Family Association applauded the FCC for the fine. The group had generated more than 1,750,000 e-mails to FCC commissioners and members of Congress, according to their chairman, Don Wildmon.
"Our message is clear," said Wildmon in a press release. "Do something to protect our children from out-of-control disc jockeys and their nasty broadcasts." Commissioner Michael Copps said the fine wasn't high enough and wanted a hearing on the revocation of the stations' licenses.
