This is an open letter of complaint to the FCC that I sent on Friday, February 15, 2008:

This is a direct quote from Jane Fonda on the "Today Show" as it aired LIVE on Thursday Morning, February 14th, 2008:

On the "Today Show," Fonda explained how she first heard of "Vagina Monologues."

"I was asked to do a monologue called 'Cunt,' and I said, 'I don't think so. I've got enough problems," Fonda said.

It has come to my attention that no fines have been levied, no one has been fired, and all that was required was a simple apology that lasted about three seconds.  My question is this: how is it possible that the FCC will fine the Opie and Anthony Show, Howard Stern or Don Imus for using language far less offensive, but when the word "cunt" is broadcast live to over 6 million viewers on a "G" rated television show, no one at the FCC bats an eye?  Why is that acceptable? Where does the FCC get off instituting this ridiculous double standard?  If the FCC is not going to fine NBC, then it can NEVER fine any radio or television show for foul language, and it must give back the money fined to CBS for the infamous "wardrobe malfunction" by Janet Jackson at the Super Bowl a few years ago.  It is time for the FCC to treat every show, every broadcast fairly and censor equally, or not at all. If you are going to hold certain networks accountable for content, regardless of medium, then ALL networks, shows and broadcasts must be held accountable equally.  I would expect the FCC to do the right thing, and fine NBC and the "Today Show" for letting quite possibly the most reprehensible word in the English language to be broadcast over the airwaves with not even the slightest attempt to prevent it from being said.  Equally more disturbing was the half-hearted apology made the following day, which for the most part, meant nothing as the person who said the word, Jane Fonda, wasn't even present to make the actual apology.  Let's put this in perspective. The FCC fined Clear Channel Communications (at the time, the carrier of the Howard Stern Show) nearly $500,000 in April, 2003 for the word "Sphincterine," and fined another $27,500 in July, 2001 for the word "blumpkin."  Can you tell me what either of those words mean?  Nothing. They are made up, nonsense words broadcast from a goofy radio show that didn't even have one-sixth of the viewers of the "Today Show." In another instance, the FCC fined Opie and Anthony and their parent companies, Viacom Communication and CBS radio for a bit called "guess what's in my pants" several times between November, 2000, and January, 2001 in  the amount of $21,000.  The pinnacle of FCC fines came when the O+A show was fined approximately $358,000, and 13 CBS owned stations were fined $27,500 each for a bit called "Sex for Sam" (Viacom settled for $3.5 million, and fired Opie and Anthony).  I personally remember hearing all of the afore mentioned O+A bits, and the fact is at no time was any offensive language used.  However, because it is a "shock jock" radio show, the FCC goes after them simply because they are an easy target. Jane Fonda says "cunt" live on the air, and nothing?  As a citizen of this country, I am asking you, the FCC, to explain yourselves.  Why is it okay to fine a radio show for made up words, or for describing acts that may or may not actually be happening, but it is equally justifiable to not fine a show for a truly offensive word on what should be a family-oriented show?  When people listen to Opie and Anthony or Howard Stern, or any other show that falls into the antiquated and mislabeled "shock jock" category, they know what to expect - crude humor, possibly offensive language, etc.  When people tune into the "Today Show," they are expecting a Mickey Mouse, "Disneyfied" type of show - no foul content, no inappropriate language.  While a show like the "Today Show" is on, moms and dads are getting ready for work, and kids are getting ready for school. People leave a show like that on for local weather, or perhaps to watch an interesting story.  The last thing anyone in that demographic is expecting is for someone on that show, be it a guest or host, to say the word "cunt," or any other offensive word. Yet somehow, it is okay for the FCC to not stand up for the unsuspecting viewer, and allows language like that to blindside them without recourse, however, a show like Stern or O+A, shows that people know is going to contain adult content, slips up, and you go to war against that show, its carrier and its parent company, citing abuse of the airwaves and indecent content.  What is the difference between them?  Why is it okay to fine one and not the other?  Better yet, why is it okay to let the family-oriented show get away with it, but a show that is known for its crude humor is scrutinized and fined mercilessly for every little off-color joke?  The fact is this:  I am not a Howard Stern fan, I am not a "Today Show" fan, but I am tired of watching government agencies pick and chose to whom the rules apply. The time for change has to start somewhere, and I am picking this moment, this decision as that place to start.  You, the FCC, must be, and will be held accountable for poor decision making, for your favoritism, and for your inconsistencies when doling out "justice."  This is the digital age, and I will post this grievance letter on every message board, every opinions page and every corner of the Internet until you do what is right and mete out fair rulings regardless of what show is in question.

If you agree with this, then please follow the link below to file a complaint with the FCC

The Link: http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/cgb/fcc475B.cfm