FCC fines ABC over 'NYPD Blue'; network to appeal - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Zoneboy · 01-26-2008, 02:08 AM

Link

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - The Federal Communications Commission on Friday said it plans to fine the Walt Disney Co's ABC network $1.4 million for airing an episode of "NYPD Blue" in 2003 that showed a woman's nude buttocks.

The company said it opposes the fine and plans to appeal.

In a notice filed on Friday, the agency said 52 television ABC stations in the Central and Mountain time zones had aired the scene at 9 p.m. in violation of federal restrictions against broadcasting "obscene material" between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.

The agency said it received "numerous complaints" about the scene, in which a young boy walks in on a nude woman about to take a shower.

Stations in the Eastern and Pacific time zones were exempt because they broadcast the February 25, 2003, episode at 10 p.m. local time.

ABC said in a statement that it had broadcast the episode and others from the cop drama, which ran from 1993 to 2005, with appropriate parental warnings and with V-chip enabled program ratings when they were available.

The network added that the show had been on the air for nearly a decade when the episode in question aired "and the realistic nature of its storylines was well known to the viewing public."

catlover79 · 01-26-2008, 02:24 AM

They're suing NOW - when the show has been off the air after almost 3 years? Good grief!!

friendsfan77 · 01-26-2008, 03:49 AM

^ Not to mention it's also not the first time that show has shown someone's bare ass. Like it says, the show aired late at night with warnings and towards the end of the run, then came along something called the V-Chip. Progress is moving backwards instead of forwards. I can maybe understand the outrage if this was supposed to be a family show, but NYPD Blue was not. It never was.

Schmoopie · 07-26-2008, 01:12 AM

I know it's been a while since this thread was posted, but I just found it.

That is ridiculous, deciding to sue ABC 15 years after this episode aired!!!!!! Friendsfan77 is so right. It was never supposed to be a family show, nor was it promoted as such. And there were always "warnings" before it aired. So what's the big deal? I certainly hope that ABC didn't have to pay up!

I loved this show, although it took me a while. I hardly ever saw anything offensive about it, and by today's standards, that first episode might look "tame".

01-26-2008, 02:08 AM	#1
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,349	FCC fines ABC over 'NYPD Blue'; network to appeal Link LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - The Federal Communications Commission on Friday said it plans to fine the Walt Disney Co's ABC network $1.4 million for airing an episode of "NYPD Blue" in 2003 that showed a woman's nude buttocks. The company said it opposes the fine and plans to appeal. In a notice filed on Friday, the agency said 52 television ABC stations in the Central and Mountain time zones had aired the scene at 9 p.m. in violation of federal restrictions against broadcasting "obscene material" between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. The agency said it received "numerous complaints" about the scene, in which a young boy walks in on a nude woman about to take a shower. Stations in the Eastern and Pacific time zones were exempt because they broadcast the February 25, 2003, episode at 10 p.m. local time. ABC said in a statement that it had broadcast the episode and others from the cop drama, which ran from 1993 to 2005, with appropriate parental warnings and with V-chip enabled program ratings when they were available. The network added that the show had been on the air for nearly a decade when the episode in question aired "and the realistic nature of its storylines was well known to the viewing public."
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01-26-2008, 02:24 AM	#2
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,376	They're suing NOW - when the show has been off the air after almost 3 years? Good grief!!
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07-26-2008, 01:12 AM	#4
Schmoopie Keep Calm and Love Snoopy Forum Star Join Date: Jul 13, 2008 Location: Lynnwood, Washington Posts: 15,697	I know it's been a while since this thread was posted, but I just found it. That is ridiculous, deciding to sue ABC 15 years after this episode aired!!!!!! Friendsfan77 is so right. It was never supposed to be a family show, nor was it promoted as such. And there were always "warnings" before it aired. So what's the big deal? I certainly hope that ABC didn't have to pay up! I loved this show, although it took me a while. I hardly ever saw anything offensive about it, and by today's standards, that first episode might look "tame".
	__________________ In memory of my wonderful husband. I love and miss you more than words can say, but I will always and forever keep you in my heart. September 23, 1961-January 14, 2019

01-26-2008, 03:49 AM	#3
friendsfan77 - Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Oct 02, 2004 Location: Duluth, GA Posts: 3,165	^ Not to mention it's also not the first time that show has shown someone's bare ass. Like it says, the show aired late at night with warnings and towards the end of the run, then came along something called the V-Chip. Progress is moving backwards instead of forwards. I can maybe understand the outrage if this was supposed to be a family show, but NYPD Blue was not. It never was.