FCC Chief Curses Court Ruling

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin didn't mince words yesterday in his response to a federal appeals court's ruling that invalidated the agency's policy against accidentally aired profanities on broadcast TV. Here's what he said:

"I find it hard to believe that the New York court would tell American families that 'shit' and 'fuck' are fine to say on broadcast television during the hours when children are most likely to be in the audience. ... If ever there was an appropriate time for Commission action, this was it. If we can’t restrict the use of the words 'fuck' and 'shit' during prime time, Hollywood will be able to say anything they want, whenever they want."

(Hat tip: My colleague Marc Ambinder at The Atlantic Online.)