The Anti-Sam Brownback Blog

Senator Sam Brownback is pushing a bill that would dramatically increase the fines for broadcasters who are found to have violated the FCC’s decency rules for television:

Brownback said a study released by the Parents Television Council shows how broadcasters are complicit in marketing adult material to children, and that increased fines will “send a signal to the industry.”

What I find most interesting about his push on this bill is that it is not as strict as some other competing bills. In the article, Brownback notes that a stricter bill would have a harder time passing the Senate. This level of pragmatism is not something he is known for. I imagine it is born out of the necessity to pad his resume with the word “family” in the runup to the presidential election in 2008.

Pushing for more fines on broadcasters is a solid winner. The public loves to beat up on them, and they often deserve the harsh denunciations of their content. I just question exactly how mush of this is parental responsibility. At a certain point you have to take charge of your family’s television habits.