The FCC, Broadcasters and Programming: Regulation by Raised Eyebrow?

Newton Minow’s “Vast Wasteland Speech’ is familiar to teachers and many students of broadcasting and media; but what are some other FCC officials’ speeches and actions that have influenced decisions by networks and broadcasters to cancel – or air – programs and other content? How about the decision to cancel “Late Night with Stephen Colbert”?  Were low ratings and high costs the reasons for Paramount deciding to end the show?  Did the Family Viewing Hour violate the First Amendment rights of program producers?  What about the current FCC Chair’s urgings as to how broadcasters should air content recognizing the country’s 250thbirthday.   Our panel of experts will address the past, present trends and anticipated future effects of government officials’ “prodding” and “suggestions” that fall short of regulation or legislation but nonetheless are intended to influence content in broadcasting and other electronic media. Moderator: Barry D. Umansky, Ball State University Panelists: Mary Ann Watson, Eastern Michigan University; “The Vast Wasteland” zeitgeist – Is it different from today’s style of regulation Richard Vogel, Culver-Stockton College; Does Raising the Eyebrow Cancel Programs Brian Sheridan, Mercyhurst University; Political Pressure and Program Cancellation