The Federal Communications Commission issued a record $3.6 million fine against CBS for airing a prime time show that featured a teen sex orgy.
A total of 111 CBS affiliates were each fined $32,500 for violating decency standards for airing an episode of 'Without a Trace' on December 31, 2004. The episode in question dealt with the disappearance and possible rape of a high school student.
One scene in the show depicted teens engaging in couples and group sex. There was no nudity in the scene.
'While there is no nudity, the scene is highly sexually charged and explicit,' the FCC said of the show. 'Moreover, the material is particularly egregious because it focuses on sex among children.'
CBS defended the show and its airing, saying that this episode of 'Without a Trace,' 'featured an important and socially relevant story line warning parents to exercise greater supervision of their teenage children.'
New FCC Chairman Kevin Martin appears to be taking a hard line on sexuality in prime time. The FCC also announced an episode of 'The Surreal Life 2' aired on the WB network has been declared indecent. According to the FCC, this episode featured 'men and women disrobing, ogling, fondling, kissing and sexually propositioning one another during a pool party.' Porn star Ron Jeremy was featured on the show.
The FCC also announced it would uphold the fines for CBS resulting from Janet Jackson's 'wardrobe malfunction' at the Super Bowl two years ago. CBS indicated it would continue to fight the fines.
