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Powell goes on a letter-writing binge

FCC Chairman Michael Powell took it upon himself to make sure that top broadcasting and cable industry executives are aware that the FCC is on the indecency warpath. He sent letters to the heads of two major trade associations and to a pair of executives at each of the big four television networks.

Robert Sachs, President of the National Telecommunications and Cable Association was one recipient. "The rise of the cable industry and its ability to provide competitive programming alternatives to serve the diverse interests of our citizens has also given rise to more opportunities for the worst of programming to invade our living rooms," wrote Powell.

He continued, "...I challenge the cable industry to consider ways in which it can help to positively improve the quality of choices available to viewers and more fully empower families to shield indecent and excessively violent programming from their children."

The broadcast list was much more extensive, starting with National Association of Broadcasters President Eddie Fritts. The big four network received two letters each, essentially to the head of stations and the head of the network. At ABC/Disney, recipients were Walter Liss and Alex Wallau; also on the list were Leslie Moonves and Fred Reynolds of CBS/Viacom; Gail Berman and Tom Herwitz of Fox/News Corp.; and Jay Ireland and Robert Wright of NBC/GE.

He warned them about the bigger enforcement stick the FCC is requesting (and almost assuredly getting) from Congress. However, he asked them to take their own step.

"...I challenge the broadcast community to reinstate a voluntary code of conduct. A code of conduct would offer effective guidance and best practices to local broadcasters to address the needs and concerns of parents, children and local communities - - particularly in the areas of indecent, profane and violent programming."

He has asked all recipients to respond within 30 days with proposals to address this problem.