Viacom Agrees to Settle Indecency Fines for $3.5 Million

WASHINGTON — The Federal Communications Commission reached an agreement with Viacom Inc. Tuesday to settle a slew of indecency violation investigations for roughly $3.5 million, according to consent decrees published on the federal regulator’s website.

Not included in the agreement is the $550,000 fine aimed at CBS for airing a Super Bowl halftime show in which singer Janet Jackson’s breast was exposed.

In exchange for settling the other outstanding fines, Viacom agreed to admit that some of the material was indecent and implement a company-wide compliance plan that includes purchasing and installing audio delay equipment at its radio and television stations.

Commissioner Michael J. Copps agreed with the decision to accept the settlement agreement, but expressed concern about the effect on the FCC’s license renewal process.

“The totality of a broadcasters’ record is pertinent and should be considered when licenses are renewed,” said Copps in a written statement. “Today’s decision takes an entire part of the record off the table. Today, the Commission tells those citizens that some information is no longer relevant in revaluating a broadcaster’s overall performance in the community.”

The FCC also made public a notice of forfeiture of $55,000 levied against Miami-based WQAM License Limited Partnership, owners of AM radio station WQAM, in connection with indecency charges.

According to the notice, episodes of the sports talk show “The Scott Ferrall Show” aired on the mornings of Sept. 9 and 10, 2003, contained numerous indecent remarks.

The complaint filed with the FCC states that on Sept. 9, an angry male caller phoned the radio program and caused Ferrall to have a very heated response. In addition to threatening the caller with time in prison, according to the complaint, Ferrall also said that the caller would be raped in prison, that Ferrall would engage in a variety of sexual acts with the caller’s wife and that he would then get his girlfriend to do the same.

Ferrall concluded by saying that he would “bash [the caller’s wife’s] brains in with a baseball bat,” and, “light the caller’s children on fire.”

On Sept. 10, Ferrall also allegedly engaged in a conversation that included extended descriptions of child molestation involving lit candles.

WQAM argued that the language used in the broadcasts was not patently offensive and were “merely declarative or interrogative,” and, “without descriptive detail” and were consistent with contemporary community standards.

The FCC dismissed indecency claims against Fox’s show “Couplings,” which involved conversations featuring “sustained and repeated use of sexual innuendo and double entendre, with sex the constant them,” and against the WB network’s “Off Centre” for featuring an episode that involved a character accidentally stopping up the toilet at the apartment of a potential love interest.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Michael Ninn Returns With 'Catherine' Sequel Made Entirely by AI

Veteran filmmaker Michael Ninn, though retired from the adult business for the past 10 years, recently unveiled a new episodic project titled "Catherine II: The Series," which serves as a sequel to his 2005 adult film "Catherine."

25,000 Sign Petition to Legalize Pornography in Ukraine

An OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine has amassed the 25,000 signatures required for official consideration by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

WannaCollab Joins Pineapple Support as Supporter-Level Sponsor

WannaCollab has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

Alison Rey Stars in Latest From New Sensations

Alison Rey stars with Isiah Maxwell in the latest release from New Sensations.

FSC Unpacks SCOTUS Age Verification Ruling in Webinar

The Free Speech Coalition conducted a public webinar Tuesday to help adult industry stakeholders understand the Supreme Court’s recent decision in FSC v. Paxton, and its potential implications.

Bad Bella Fronts Latest From MYLF

Bad Bella stars with Hayden Wild in the latest release from MYLF.

Abella Danger Opens Up Like Never Before in X3 Magazine

Powerhouse star Abella Danger lights up the latest issue of X3 magazine, the industry’s premier “authenticity first” publication spotlighting the real personalities, passions, and stories behind today’s top creators.

Pure Taboo Debuts Bree Mills Thriller 'Let Me In Too'

Reagan Foxx stars with Shay Sights in the latest thriller from Pure Taboo, titled “Let Me In Too.”

UK Lawmaker Calls for Appointment of 'Porn Minister'

Baroness Gabrielle Bertin, the Conservative member of Parliament who recently convened a new anti-pornography task force, is calling for the appointment of a “minister for porn,” according to British news outlet The Guardian.

FSC Toasts Jeffrey Douglas for 30 Years of Service

n the very same evening when the adult industry was hit hard by the Supreme Court ruling supporting Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181, members of the Free Speech Coalition board, staff and supporters gathered to celebrate Jeffrey Douglas’ 30 years as board chair — a fitting reflection of his reputation as an eternal optimist.

Show More