April 5, 2008

Feds sue FOX TV stations to force payments

Justice Department attorneys sued FOX Television Stations on Friday to force payment of FCC fines levied for broadcasting "pandering, titillating, and shocking" sexually oriented material during prime time viewing hours.

In lawsuits filed in four cities, Justice Department attorneys asked the court to order each of eight FOX stations to pay $7,000 - or a total of $56,000 - in fines for a 2003 episode of the reality program "Married by America."

The FCC determined that the program was "patently offensive" and aired prior to 10 p.m., when families are presumed to be watching.

The program featured wild bachelor and bachelorette parties in Las Vegas.