Does a Government have the Responsibility to Regulate what is Broadcast over Public Airwaves?

A government has not only the right, but also the responsibility, to regulate what is broadcast over the public airwaves.
Describe a specific situation in which a government might not be justified in regulating what is broadcast over the public airwaves. Discuss what you think determines when a government is justified in regulating what is broadcast over the public airwaves and when it is not.
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The First Amendment's freedoms of press and speech are cornerstones of American democracy. News organizations and journalists, for the most part, can investigate and report on government actions without physical reprisal. Individuals and groups may voice their opinions without fearing government threat. These freedoms of expression, however, are limited. For example, one cannot slander others or distribute child pornography. Indeed, the public airwaves (television and radio) are a means by which Americans can reach a mass audience and exercise their freedoms of press and speech. A government has the responsibility to regulate the airwaves as a way to protect society from prurient and harmful material. However, it cannot regulate the airwaves as a way to protect its hold of power and repress certain groups of society.

The government (through the FCC) is responsible for regulating content on the public airwaves. For instance, it does not allow prurient material to enter the general airwaves as a way to protect children. The FCC also protects younger viewers by not authorizing extremely violent material and vulgar language to be aired in daytime channels. Furthermore, the FCC is also responsible for regulating songs over the radio airwaves. Songs that contain offensive words and lyrics are usually "beeped" out although consumers are free to purchase the original content in a record store or online. Standards as to whether material is appropriate for the public airwaves may be worked out through the legislative or judicial process.

The government, however, is limited in how it may regulate the airwaves. It cannot, for instance, suppress public opinions as done in authoritarian countries. In a democracy, various and diverse opinions are welcome as a way to promote debate and encourage different solutions for problems. Citizens of a democracy are also free to publicly criticize their representatives and leaders. The FCC may not prevent these views from entering the public airwaves. Thus, radio and television presents multiple perspectives of current events and political matters.

Indeed, the government plays a significant role in protecting vulnerable members of society. It blocks material that could harm children or encourage violence. On the other hand, it may not repress opposing viewpoints on social and political questions that face the nation. In a democracy, the government needs to maintain a balance in protecting citizens while at the same time respecting freedoms of speech and press.