WASHINGTON Clear Channel in hot water for sexual show

WASHINGTON (AP) -- With Congress playing close attention, federal regulators are proposing a record $755,000 fine against the nation's largest radio chain for airing a sexually explicit radio show.
The Federal Communications Commission, whose chairman recently urged that penalties be increased for indecent programming, said four Clear Channel stations -- all in Florida -- aired various episodes of "Bubba the Love Sponge" a total of 26 times. The fine proposed Tuesday would be the single largest ever for indecency.
Clear Channel also was fined $40,000 because of record-keeping violations at the stations. The company has 30 days to pay the fine or appeal.
Lawmakers on the House Energy and Commerce telecommunications subcommittee planned a hearing today on indecency standards. They took notice of the issue after the FCC's enforcement bureau declined to fine NBC for airing an expletive uttered by rock star Bono during the Golden Globe Awards show last year. The FCC is deciding whether to overrule the bureau.
Two House Republicans have introduced legislation to ban broadcasters from airing eight specific words or phrases, including the word uttered by Bono.
The bill lists the words, reminiscent of comedian George Carlin's comedy routine about the seven words that couldn't be said on the public airwaves. The Carlin broadcast led to a 1978 Supreme Court decision upholding the FCC's right to regulate indecent programming.