The Curious Case of Swearing on Television: Why It Isn't as Common

Why can't people swear on television? The short answer is that it is not illegal, but there are certain times and conditions under which it is prohibited. This article delves into the regulations and cultural reasons behind this phenomenon.

Regulations and Restrictions on Broadcast Television

Americans do swear on television, but there are significant restrictions when it comes to broadcast television. Broadcast television, or television that can be received by anyone with a television and an antenna, has longstanding regulations from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to prohibit obscene, indecent, and profane broadcasts. These rules are strictly enforced, especially during certain hours when children may be in the audience.

Why Broadcast Television Has Restrictions

The FCC's rules about indecent and profane content do not apply to cable and satellite television, which require subscription services. Consequently, cable networks like HBO and Showtime, as well as satellite radio services like SiriusXM, have more freedom to air unfiltered content. However, broadcast television is a different story.

There are several reasons why broadcast television has more stringent regulations:

Limited Audience Control: Cable and satellite services can control their audience demographics and timing, but broadcast television cannot. It reaches a broad and unfiltered audience, including children. Advertiser Concerns: Broadcast networks are acutely aware of advertiser sensitivities. Advertisers want to avoid controversy and maintain their audience base, leading broadcasters to carefully control language and content. Cultural Sensitivity: The United States is often viewed as more conservative regarding profanity, even during public viewing times. There is a tacit understanding that broadcast television should maintain a certain level of decorum.

The FCC defines indecent speech as material that, in context, depicts or describes sexual or excretory organs or activities in terms that are patently offensive as measured by contemporary community standards for the broadcast medium. These rules apply between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., when there is a reasonable risk that children may be in the audience.

Real-World Examples and Exceptions

While broadcast networks generally refrain from airing profanity, many Americans have noticed an increase in profanity on broadcast television in recent years. One person mentioned hearing "shit," "bitch," "dick," and "cunt" on various channels, showing that the regulations are not always strictly followed.

On cable TV, the use of profanity is more common, even during prime time. For instance, a recent viewing of a show on USA Network revealed liberal use of the word "shit," though "fuck" was muted. This suggests that although cable networks have more latitude, they may still implement some level of censorship.

Conclusion

The restrictions on swearing on broadcast television stem from a combination of legal, cultural, and economic factors. While it is not illegal, it remains a significant challenge for broadcasters to navigate the fine line between maintaining audience appeal and adhering to regulatory standards. As public attitudes change over time, it is possible that these regulations may evolve, but for now, the broadcast television landscape remains relatively conservative.