McClellan: Turn off TV if it offends

McClellan: Turn off TV if it offends
But spokesman also says Bush approves of recent FCC fines
Posted: March 16, 2006
6:55 p.m. Eastern

By Les Kinsolving
© 2006 WorldNetDaily.com

While presidential press secretary Scott McClellan today said the administration approves of recent FCC fines levied against CBS for indecent television, he reminded parents that if they don't like what's being served up on the tube they can always just turn it off.

McClellan was responding to a WND question about the fines the FCC proposed yesterday for the network, which broadcast a program called "Without a Trace" in December 2004 that contained a depiction of teenage boys and girls participating in a sex orgy.

"The FCC commissioner – a number of the FCC commissioners have been people that were appointed by the president, and we support the work they are doing," noted McClellan. "We have also worked to increase penalties when it comes to violations of decency standards."

Added the spokesman: "The president always reminds people – parents, particularly – that they have the option to turn off the TV or change the channel if you think something is inappropriate, as well. And so you need to keep that in mind, too."

WND also asked McClellan about D.C. City Councilman and former Mayor Marion Barry:

"The government of the District of Columbia has failed to expel from its City Council a member who is not only a convicted and previously imprisoned violator, and now repeat offender of our narcotics laws, but who also failed to pay his income taxes for six years, for which a D.C. judge gave him probation rather than prison. And my question, since this nation's chief law enforcer surely must be concerned about this, could you please tell us, what is his position on this case?"

Responded McClellan: "Well, if people break the law, they need to be held to account, Les. And those are for the appropriate authorities to make those decisions. This isn't a matter that I've discussed with the president."