LOS ANGELES, April 30 (UPI) -- The major broadcast networks are taking the Federal Communications Commission to court for inconsistent rulings on indecency.
The networks say they can't figure out why the FCC allowed the F-word and S-word in the airing of "Saving Private Ryan," but ruled the same words in a Martin Scorsese documentary, "The Blues: Godfathers and Sons," were indecent.
Banding together, the broadcast TV networks have filed notices of appeal alleging a March 15 ruling by the FCC was unconstitutional, the Los Angeles Times reported Sunday.
"At one time I could explain indecency in seven words," Washington communications attorney John Crigler told the Times. "Now I need seven volumes."
Three network executives, who did not want to be named, say the current unpredictability is having a chilling effect on writers and producers.
"There are lines that are being drawn that make no sense," one executive said.
Former FCC Commissioner Kathleen Abernathy, a Republican who stepped down in December, said it would help the commission if federal judges weighed in on the matter.
