Fuck me, America is weird
There has just been a tenfold increase in the fine federal government levies against broadcasters who violate “decency standards.” It used to be $32,500, now it’s $325,000, with a maximum of $3m for repeated violations.
The rules do not apply to satellite TV or radio, or to cable TV (such as HBO, which makes the Sopranos). I don’t know why, but it does mean that my new favourite programme, The Thick of It, is being broadcast on BBC America (because the channel is available on digital cable and satellite only). For those who don’t know, it’s a political satire with a shitload of fucking good swearing in it. An example:
Hugh Abbot, minister of Social Affairs, has been savaged in the press by a reported call Simon Hewitt. He discusses the matter with his staff.
Hugh: So, how do we respond to this?
Terri: Right, we don’t exchange insults with bloody Simon arsepipes tittytwat.
Ollie: Is that honestly the best swearing you can come up with?
Terri: Or…
Glenn: This is a bucket of shit. If someone throws shit at us we throw shit back at them. We start a shit-fight. We throw so much shit at them that they can’t pick up shit they can’t throw shit, they can’t do shit.
Hugh: That’s top swearing, Glenn, well done.
Ollie: Watch and learn.
If only it were playing on conventional US TV, it would be the most expensive sitcom ever made.
Haha, yes “The Thick Of It” is great. As is inventive swearing. America seems to be far more deserving of the “nanny state” sobriquet than the UK!
On a related note, did you know that Chris Langham was recently arrested on suspicion of taking indecent photographs of a minor? Perhaps that would add to the potential “indecency” fine levied on the broadcaster :p
America is fucked.
Yes, Dave I heard about the charges. I wonder what the trial will find?
Oh, yes, of course! Not casting aspersions or anything. It was just a (poor) joke :)