Sex and Swearing Next TV Season?

Tuesday, 28 June 2011 | by Pat's Picks

On Monday, the Supreme Court struck down a California law that restricted the sale of violent video games to minors, finding 7-2 that it was unconstitutional. An editorial in the LA Times calls the ruling “score one for the 1st Ammendment.”  Editors say although the decision might be an unpopular one, it’s important for the nation: And, they point out, “for parents who want to protect their children from unsuitable entertainment, this decision does not prevent them from laying down the law.”

Up next, the court will examine whether FCC rules that bar profanity and nudity are constitutional or not says the Wall Street Journal. The case is being brought by braodcasters who want to overturn the FCC’s rules on decency, which have been largely unexamined by the court since 1978. The FCC rule bars station owners from playing “indecent content” between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., hours when children are more likely to be watching. Lawyers for the broadcasters are expected to argue that the rule is antiquated and ” no longer necessary as cable and broadband have broken the hold federally licensed broadcasters once had over what Americans listen to on the radio and watch on television.”

More about the California video game ruling: