So...appearntly in one song I love to death ("Clearing" by Grouper) which has been played numerous times on my station and has made an appearnece in I belive the 10th or 11th episode of FTR; as I was looking at song lyrics for her work, it has come to my attention that there is a curse word in that song; specifically these lines
"And can’t you see us fading, soon there won’t be anyone there
It's funny when you f**k up, no one really has to care"
Now folks, if you've heard her music, it is near immposible to tell what she is saying because of the reverb, and whispered lyrics so I never was able to hear it. If this was aired on your station, I sincerely apologize. But I really doubt anyone could here it anyway.
....hey we all f**k up anyway... hehe
I have different feelings about that too, and I don't know what to do. The Ramsey Kit Part15 rules say no swearing on the air but yet I hear commercial stations doing it, morning shows have said some words and I hear swearing in the lyrics, songs like you played where its quiet, or even classig rock, like Who Are You by The Who, it says "who the f*** are you!" near the end when the song is getting intense, and that's been played for years. I heard Jethro Tull say a swear word on one of their songs too.
So words have gone out over my airwaves, and nothing has come of it, maybe no one was listening or people don't care now adays? Plus, small stations are known for being more radical...
If I was running a children's show then there would have to be no cursing, but if it was punk rock, album like Legacy plays or oldies that adults would only be listening to, then some swearing could probably go out.
Now if I had an enemy that was on me and my station and looking for anything to complain about, like the problems Bruce is having now, then I'd keep things really tight to broadcast standards.
It's kind of like an honor system, anybody can trip up anyone with the rules if they try hard enough, but most people don't try to get everyone in trouble, because they realize they have the same vulnerability, so things stay civil between neighbors. Some nutcase who doesn't care, causes civility to break down, it's sad, and tha's the kind of person who would complain about a swear word.
In Canada, we actually have a government body that is concerned only with the content of a broadcast - the CRTC. Micro broadcasters have to stay within the code of conduct for the CRTC, the same as licensed stations. Generally, that means maintaining community standards, i.e., no sexism, racism, etc. Cursing is a grey area; usually, that means that it is not allowed, but even the licensed stations fall short in this area.