dsi@unccvax.UUCP (Dataspan Inc) (10/04/85)
Keywords:Sneaky,porno rock,underhanded
Well, according to a copyrighted broadcast by Channel 9 last night
(WSOC-TV Charlotte) the new North Carolina anti-porn ordinance has apparently
been extended to include albums and anything else with no "reedeeming"
literary value.
The law was evidently rewritten to eliminate the "merry go round"
clause, requireing formerly law enforcement officials to go into an
establishment, purchasing the item(s) offensive, getting a judge to rule
on the merits, and then to go back with a warrant to make the bust.
In fact, some conservatives (led by Reverend Chambers and Judge Potter)
feel that there are many "R" rated movies which are illegal. Several law
enforcement types have been going around to inform that sexual novelties,
videotapes, albums, movies, etc. are in violation of the new NC law.
I'm working on getting the text of the new law now. Efforts to block
enforcement of the law pending determination of the constitutionality of
its "no redeeming value" clause have failed. In fact, a friend of me
mine called and said that they were even going to listen to radio stations.
I can surely see the fur fly when some heavyweighters like Jefferson Pilot
or Cox or Capital Cities (which is headquartered in Raleigh) get sued
and /or criminal charges for playing things of "questionable" taste and
no "evident" redeeming value.
WITHOUT opening the "kiddie porn" debate again, I can see where the
"merry go round" clause was desirable to get rid of. Frankly, what people
read or do doesn't mean diddly squat to me. Nevertheless, this business
about purging every nook and cranny of "all items of no redeeming value"...
AAARRRRGH.
Look for the hoardes of Washington FCC-type attorneys.
and so on which will be here soon. What really sucks about this is that
there will probably be selective enforcement...some small independent
Mom and Pop station in a very small market will get hosed because they
can't afford a Finney, Kumble or Fly, Shuebruk.
See you soon...with the full text of the law.
.