Rogers to Broadcasters: Indecency on Airwaves Must Stop

Washington, DC - Congressman Mike Rogers made the following comments today as the House overwhelmingly voted to pass H.R. 3717, the Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act of 2004, by a vote of 391-22. Rogers was a co-sponsor of the legislation which would increase penalties against television and radio broadcasters that violate federal standards of decency on public airwaves.

"Alabama citizens, like the vast majority of Americans, respect and value the meaning of decency, and appreciate public institutions that reflect the common values of our society," Rogers said. "But when those institutions that are charged with upholding the public trust refuse to live up to their responsibilities, someone must draw the line.

"CBS's halftime show during the 2004 Super Bowl was a new low for television. Watched by nearly 100 million Americans, as well as my family and children, this 30-minute fantasy of filth managed to break all standards of decency, and brazenly shattered all concepts of responsibility and accountability for our nation's public broadcasters."

Rogers continued, "Let me be clear: I am not an advocate of censorship. Although I may find the type of programming seen during the 2004 Super Bowl and the 2003 Golden Globe Awards disgusting and disturbing, we must always work hard to defend the cherished freedoms so clearly outlined in our Constitution, including a healthy and free press.

"The Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act of 2004 helps address the continuing degradation on the broadcast airwaves and helps send a clear message to the broadcast industry that Alabama families, like the rest of American families, have had enough."