Watch your language

The US Supreme Court today ruled that the Federal Communications Commission can regulate foul language on the public airwaves through hefty fines. From the LAT:

In a 5-4 decision, the justices said federal law has long prohibited the broadcast of "indecent" language, and they said the Federal Communications Commission had ample authority to crack down on what Justice Antonin Scalia called the "foul-mouthed glitteratae from Hollywood."

The ruling does not address whether FCC policies violate First Amendment protections - an issue that's likely to be tested in upcoming court battles - and the ruling does not apply to cable or Internet television.