How do we feel about vulgarities?

The problem of vulgarity on radio is part of the reality of how things are.

There are no content rules pertaining to Part 15 radio, but most low power operators I know abide by the rules for licensed broadcast, which state that indecent words should be aired after 10 at night and before 6 in the morning.

The rules say that obscenity should never be broadcast and might subject the licensee to a fine.

Therefore the problem is even deeper since we must figure out the difference between indecency and obscenity. The rules don't mention the word "vulgarity."

I recently aired a show that had a batch of unexpected F_ words, and it made me nervous because it was only 7 at night.

The movies and cable TV have no restrictions and someday radio will probably be just as tolerant, but it hasn't happened yet.

Your judgement is all you really have to go by at this time.

I use Adobe Audition to edit audio files.  When I find an objectional word or two I simply select the objectional part and reverse it so it is not understandable.  The word is usually slurred or fast speak anyway so reversing it doesn't change the sound of the tune much.

I keep it "family" entertainment.....nothing someone would hear that would make them complain. Even the MC-5 song "kick out the jams" I only play the changed single version, not the album version. No Velvet Underground songs because songs about drug taking may offend some people too. Even "Itchycoo Park" by the Small Faces I won't play because of the bad message. No opinions on air that would offend anyone even though I have a right to express an opinion.

All my playlists are based on the "Hit Parade" of the 50s 60s and 70s.

Innocence, fun, sun, boy girl romance, surfing etc., that's what it's about.

Mark

I suppose "Kodachrome" is out too.

While the FCC may not police content, the CRTC here in Canada certainly does - unlicensed stations have to follow their guidelines for broadcasting (effectively no isms, i.e., sexism, racism).  And no overt political discussions.  I believe that they're not as concerned about vulgarity unless it takes you into those forbidden 'isms.  The threat is that they reserve to right to insist that you get a CRTC license, which effectively shuts you down.

On Artisan Radio, I attempt to steer clear of vulgarity, and most definitely the 'isms.  I probably skirt closest to the edge with my Slightly Bent Show, but it is meant to be satire and humor.

While the FCC may not police content, the CRTC here in Canada certainly does - unlicensed stations have to follow their guidelines for broadcasting (effectively no isms, i.e., sexism, racism).

Except in the case of crazy Karol:  http://www.ve7kfm.com/

What an elaborate hit piece that site is!

After becoming bemused and alarmed by the "Crimes of Karol" I began wondering about the author of the attack site. THAT is someone we should wonder about!

And I'm sure confused... is Karol in Canada or the U.S?

I hope that's not a back page of the ALPB website.

Ok, well thanks for your input! I haven't recorded the episode yet, so therefore I am going to replace it with a safer alternet.

BTW- The song reached the following stats

F was said a total of (and I counted, and double checked) 11 times

S was said a total of 7 times.

The song in question? Oh, What a Thing by MaxNormal.tv

F and S are two words that are NEVER considered acceptable in any sort of legitimate broadcast, I don't care where you are.  I'll let fly with a crap, damn, even a hell once in a while even on commercial full power broadcast radio, which is mild compared to primetime US television.  But you NEVER hear F & S in "real" braodcast.  To some, that's a reason to get off the "regular" airwaves and go to Part 15, or webcasting, so they can speak as they desire, but I don't find it necessary or professional. 

Keep in mind, if you intention is to NOT torque off people and avoid people harassing you, keep it clean.

And, I've listened to Karol, VE7KFM on the 20 meter ham band several times. That website is right on the money. He's somewhat an evil legend on the ham bands. 14.313 or thereabouts and you'll find him on the air. Unbelieveable. 

Tim in Bovey

The CRTC is diligent about policing the broadcast bands (if someone complains, they don't tend to proactively do it).  But he's on the amateur bands and there, not so much.  He uses the argument of freedom of speech, and I guess ham complaints are easier to ignore than those of licensed stations.

Unfortunately, the guy is located in Canada, Vancouver Island to be precise.  I tend not to be able to pick him up, as his skywave passes overhead where I am in Vancouver.

Amateur radio stations are "licensed" stations. I think if you examine the rules for hams in Canada, you will find that using MF words on the air is a violation.

While the "Artist's integrity is at stake" (...brother...), I have no problem covering inappropriate language in songs or in the air talent's execution.

It's not as much a problem of Free Speech as much as it is an intellectual issue: any 4th grader can write a d*ck joke (watch "Two Broke Girls" if you dont believe me). It's that special talent that can tell the same story and do it in such a way that any @#$%^ that is even hinted at takes place in the listener's mind.

I'm no prude. I just like hearing a good tale being woven by a talented storyteller or singer, more than I like being cursed at by a guy with $30 music software and a drum loop.  That, and I dont like the idea of my station calling too much attention to itself and inviting a visit from the Framingham Carpet Company.

I like the idea of playing a word

backwards.  I would like to hear

how that sounds. 

But it's a lot of work and most of us

aren't equipped to do that, as far as

I know. 

Bruce, Mon. Stn., CT

Words like kcuf and tihs and tdnuc and kcirp?