FCC & Society
Published on Nov 21, 2015
Presentation on the history of FCC regulations from the 1950s to the 1970s
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PRESENTATION OUTLINE
Journal: 4/21/2015
- Do you think the government should have a more active or less active role in what can and can't be said on television?
Objectives: 4/21/2015
- Analyze the impact of American culture on FCC regulations
- Evaluate the effect of various court cases on current FCC policies
What is the FCC?
- U.S. Federal Communications Commission
- Formed by Communications Act of 1934
What is the FCC?
- Becomes powerful filter after TV becomes widespread after WWII
- Acts as the moral compass for American society within communications
1949: 1,000,000 TVs
1959: 50,000,000 TVs
1959: 50,000,000 TVs
1950s Regulations
The Innocent
1950s Regulations
- Hays Code: Separate beds for married couples
- "One foot on the floor" rule if in the same bed
- All hands visible at all times
1950s Regulations
- No belly buttons are to be made visible
- 1952: Lucy's pregnancy
- 1956: Elvis' pelvis shown off screen
Show from bust up, never said pregnant, used phrases less fraught with sin such as "with child" or expecting
1960s & 1970s
The Relevant
Counterculture of the 60s
- 1968: Hays Code is replaced by MPAA Ratings
- Hippie movement references make it more difficult to monitor content
1960s & 1970s
- Racial remarks incorporated into "All in the Family"
- More serious issues explored on television
1960s & 1970s
- 1971: First toilet flush heard in TV history
- 1978: FCC v. Pacifica Foundation
Class Discussion
THINK, PAIR, SHARE!
