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Friday, July 16, 2010

Get ready for racier television


"Southland" is an American cop show that premiered on NBC. Unlike normal cop shows, NBC wanted to offer something that got into the gritty world of police officers, with foul language and adult situations. NBC cancelled the show after its first season.

Soon after, TNT picked up the show, airing the original first season, six episodes from the cancelled second season, and announcing a ten episode third season. While FCC standards didn't appear to be the issue, TNT is not under the same regulations as NBC.

Things are about to change for the networks.

The FCC's regulations on indecency were struck down by a federal appeals court that said they were "unconstitutionally vague", opening up the ability to use profane language on the small screen.

So, get ready for some hot and heavy scenes on "Friends With Benefits" on NBC, Kathy Bates smoking pot on "Harry's Law" and a CBS sitcom based on the blog/book "$#*^ My Dad Says"

Many individuals working in standards say this is a good thing. Dozens of cases are pending. This decision, if upheld, will limit the FCC. Just wait for the F-bomb to be unleashed.

Cable, unregulated by the FCC, has been taking huge bites out of the ratings for the networks. Shows like "Rescue Me", "Saving Grace", and "The Shield" offer more provocative plots and situations.

Reality TV has pushed the envelope. While it can be censored, real people aren't as easy to control as content creators.

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