Appeals court throws out FCC indecency ruling

June 05, 2007 The federal appeals court in New York on Monday tossed out a key FCC indecency ruling that said a slip of the tongue gets broadcasters a fine for indecency, telling the commission that it failed to give a good reason for its decision and couldn't likely find a good reason if it had to. In its original decision, the commission decided that language used by Cher and Nicole Richie during the 2002 and 2003 Billboard Music Awards aired by the Fox Broadcasting Co. were indecent and profane. "Actors, directors, writers and broadcast personnel are pleased that the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals today rejected the FCC's effort to expand their authority and influence over creative content," the guilds said.

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