A report on Obscenity and Seven dirty words

Cover of an undated American edition of Fanny Hill, c. 1910
A poster in a WBAI broadcast booth which warns radio broadcasters against using the words
The 18th century book Fanny Hill has been subject to obscenity trials at various times (image: plate XI: The bathing party; La baignade)
CNN could freely discuss Donald Trump's characterization of "shithole countries" because CNN is available only by subscription, not broadcast over open airwaves.

FCC v. Pacifica (1978) (external link) better known as the landmark "seven dirty words" case. In that ruling, the Court found that only "repetitive and frequent" use of the words in a time or place when a minor could hear, can be punished.

- Obscenity

In follow-up rulings, the Supreme Court established the safe harbor provision that grants broadcasters the right to broadcast indecent (but not obscene) material between the hours of 10 pm and 6 am, when it is presumed few children would be watching.

- Seven dirty words
Cover of an undated American edition of Fanny Hill, c. 1910

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