Indecent Screen: Regulating Television in the Twenty-First Century

The Indecent Screen examines conflicts between media advocates, television professionals, the Federal Communications Commission, and TV audiences regarding indecency in broadcast television. Cynthia Chris focuses on the decency debates since the Telecommunications Act of 1996, arguing that an uncensored media is essential to the public good.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 254 pages
Publication date: 30 January 2019
Publisher: Rutgers University Press

The Indecent Screen delves into the contentious debates surrounding indecency in broadcast television, involving media advocates, television professionals, the Federal Communications Commission, and TV audiences in the United States. Cynthia Chris specifically focuses on the decency debates that have unfolded over approximately twenty years since the Telecommunications Act of 1996, which significantly reshaped the media landscape. At the same time, the proliferation of channels, new distribution methods, and time-shifting technologies, such as streaming and on-demand viewing options, revolutionized our viewing habits. However, rather than alleviating concerns about the transmission of indecent material accessible to children, complaints about indecency surged shortly after the turn of the century.

Chris argues that these clashes represent pivotal battles over the roles of family, government, and free speech in our lives, emphasizing the critical importance of an uncensored media for the public good. She asserts that we can and must endure the occasional indecent screen, recognizing that it is a necessary trade-off to preserve our democratic values and ensure the freedom of expression.

The Indecent Screen sheds light on the complex dynamics between media advocates, television professionals, regulatory bodies, and audiences, exploring the challenges and controversies surrounding indecency in broadcast television. Through her comprehensive analysis, Chris provides valuable insights into the ongoing struggles for balance and fairness in the media environment, highlighting the significance of preserving an open and inclusive discourse for the benefit of all.

Weight: 346g
Dimension: 154 x 230 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780813594064