Federal Communications Commission v. Fox Television Stations, Inc.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) v. Fox Television Stations, Inc. was a 2012 Supreme Court case that addressed whether the FCC’s enforcement of regulations against fleeting indecent broadcasts violated the First Amendment. Fox TV stations challenged FCC sanctions for airing brief, unexpected expletives during live events, arguing the rules were too vague and punishing unpredictable speech. The Court ruled that the FCC's sudden changes in enforcement policies without proper notice violated free speech rights, emphasizing that regulators must give broadcasters clear standards. The decision clarified the importance of consistent, fair regulations and the importance of free expression in live broadcasting.