The Federal Communications Commission has hired as an advisor an anti-pornography activist and former lobbyist for groups that push for Christian precepts in public policy.
The move may herald a reinvigorated campaign against broadcast indecency and bring renewed pressure on cable to reconsider its racy offerings.
Penny Nance, until recently a board member of Concerned Women for America, is working as a special advisor in the FCC's Office of Strategic Planning and Policy Analysis, said aides to FCC Chairman Kevin Martin. The strategic planning office helps develop agency policy.
Some observers believe the FCC is preparing to act, perhaps in coming weeks, on as many as 50 indecency complaints. Some see Nance's arrival as an indication the agency is leaning toward stricter enforcement.
"Why else would [Martin] have someone like that on board?" asked one Washington attorney who watches the FCC closely.
[SOURCE: MediaWeek, AUTHOR: Todd Shields] http://www.mediaweek.com/mw/news/recent_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1001010563
* Bringing "Biblical Principles" to the FCC [Commentary] Why Ms. Nance at the FCC? Maybe Brent Bozell wasn't available -- or was unwilling to take the pay cut... But it might as well be Brent, as the article makes clear. What does this say about the direction new FCC Chair Kevin J. Martin intends to take the Commission on so-called "indecency" issues? This is extremely troubling news for anyone concerned about freedom of speech, and the separation of church and state. http://www.creativevoices.us/php-bin/news/showArticle.php?id=134& PHPSESSID=c3a4765c21af96a92870f0fab00ce2e8
* The Wages of Sin [Commentary] I have a few places where Ms. Nance can start tackling this "indecency" epidemic in cable. Let's begin with the ninth commandment "Thou shalt not bear false witness." http://www.riedelcommunications.blogspot.com/
* FCC Hires Anti-Indecency Activist http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA633238?display=Breaking+News&referral=SUPP (free access for Benton's Headlines subscribers)
* FCC Hires Anti-Porn Advocate as Advisor http://www.latimes.com/business/printedition/la-fi-porn9aug09,1,6061866.story?coll=la-headlines-pe-business