Originally posted by Bags:
Originally posted by Venerable Bede:
Originally posted by Groundskeeper's Willy:
Stern has indicated he may take his program to satellite radio. Doesn't V.Bede or Bags work for XM Radio? What do you think?
i believe paige works at xm. . .bags and i work in energy law/policy. nowhere near as exciting. [/b]
But, that does have me thinking. You know these hugely increased fines they keep talking about? (From $27K per incident to $500K, I think) -- the increased penalties bill has passed a House Committee, meaning it still has to get through both houses of Congress. Not an easy feat.
THEN, it has to go through a regulatory process. The FCC is an administrative agency, so any major rule or policy change would have to go through a public notice and comment period. I know for energy, this process would take quite some time. I don't know how the FCC would be able to unilaterally increase fines outside of this process. This should be at least a year away....
Bede, do you agree? [/b]
that is if they go through with a large rule change. . .i suppose the fcc could just use whatever regulatory language is already available to them, and just start increasing fines, without public comment. that would put it on a fast track to the courts, i would think.
nevertheless, that sounds about right. . .congress would tell the fcc to implement the changes, it would go through a notice of proposed rulemaking, a final rule, and several additional changes after that. then, it's on to the court of appeals, then supreme court. in my energy experience, that could take at least 3 years. course, that wouldn't stop the fcc from actually issuing fines, unless a stay was granted.
while i haven't read the legislation, it sounds like something that would pass overwhelmingly. why? because unlike most of us here, mom and dad don't want to see or hear "indecent" material, and simply aren't as open to the material. nevermind the "if you don't like, don't watch it" belief, this is after janet, which everyone was watching. mind you, i actually missed the oopsie, as i was reaching for another beer.
