News Article
John Garziglia Discusses Super Bowl Halftime Controversy and the FCC Fallout for Broadcasters
February 7, 2012
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Singer M.I.A. created headlines and controversy when she gave a middle-finger gesture to the largest television audience in U.S. history during halftime of Super Bowl 46. Womble Carlyle communications law attorney John Garziglia says the incident may make the Federal Communications Commission indecency standards even more confusing for broadcasters. Garziglia was interviewed about the controversy in the Feb. 7th edition of Inside Radio.
“If the FCC was to entertain an indecency complaint based on upon the M.I.A.’s Super Bowl middle finger, it adds one more nuance to FCC indecency regulations that are now incomprehensible,” Garziglia told Inside Radio.
This recent controversy follows the firestorm surrounding Janet Jackson’s infamous “wardrobe malfunction” during the Super Bowl halftime show eight years ago. This year’s Super Bowl set an all-time U.S. viewership record with 111.3 million viewers.
John Garziglia represents radio and television broadcasters in all areas of communications and telecommunications law including transactional and contract negotiations for broadcast station mergers and acquisitions, the securing of financing, governmental auctions of new frequencies, license renewals, new stations applications, facility changes, facility upgrades, licensing, and compliance with FCC rules, regulations and policies. He practices in Womble Carlyle’s Washington, D.C. office.
“If the FCC was to entertain an indecency complaint based on upon the M.I.A.’s Super Bowl middle finger, it adds one more nuance to FCC indecency regulations that are now incomprehensible,” Garziglia told Inside Radio.
This recent controversy follows the firestorm surrounding Janet Jackson’s infamous “wardrobe malfunction” during the Super Bowl halftime show eight years ago. This year’s Super Bowl set an all-time U.S. viewership record with 111.3 million viewers.
John Garziglia represents radio and television broadcasters in all areas of communications and telecommunications law including transactional and contract negotiations for broadcast station mergers and acquisitions, the securing of financing, governmental auctions of new frequencies, license renewals, new stations applications, facility changes, facility upgrades, licensing, and compliance with FCC rules, regulations and policies. He practices in Womble Carlyle’s Washington, D.C. office.
This document is intended as an informational reminder and does not constitute legal advice. If you have any questions or would like to discuss a particular situation, please contact Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, LLP. The purpose of this article is to provide general information about significant legal developments and should not be construed as legal advice on any specific facts and circumstances.