Anyone who has read more than three sentences on this blog knows how I feel about profanity: I curse a lot. I even curse in my head; I often find myself sanitizing my words before I speak or write them. Really.
I understand that coarse language can be offensive, so I don't mind hearing an occasional bleep on the federally regulated airwaves.
But honestly, FCC, can we do something about the sound of sirens or horns on the radio? Broadcasters, can we apply a little self-regulation? Like many people, I listen to the radio in my car. When I hear a horn or siren, I don't immediately assume it's coming from my speakers. I eventually realize that a producer or reporter intentionally put those sounds into a recorded radio piece, and let me just say: STOP THAT THIS INSTANT.
At least warn me that it's coming, radio host, so I don't start looking for a place to pull over.
Note to Armando Trull, intrepid reporter from my local public radio station: You're effing killing me, dude. Knock it the heck off. (See? Self-regulation. It's easy!*)
*The normal filthy cursing you have come to expect from me will resume momentarily.
10 comments:
OH. MY. GOD. I have this same thought at least once a week when I'm listening to NPR on the commute.
Radio people, PLEASE have some common sense about this. I am *certainly* not going to give generously during pledge week if I spent all my money at the body repair shop because I had a wreck trying to get away from the phantom firetruck you threw at me.
Harumph.
This happens to me all the time, too! I sincerely hope somebody listens to you, because ohh emmm geeee.
Amen sistah.
Even worse - the screeching brakes sound effect. GOD IN HEAVEN!
Yes! That bugs me, too.
Absolutely! I'd support that law. Makes me jump every time.
Dude. Yes. Yes. Yes.
I actually heard a warning that "the following advertisement has sounds of horns honking" on WTOP radio while driving to work the other day. And I was excited!
- Work Sarah
I would have to look this up to be sure, but I'm 99% certain Bruce Vento did have a bill to outlaw siren noises on the radio. It was because he heard an advertisement for a personal injury attorney which included an ambulence siren, and he actually pulled over to the side of the road and was pissed when he realized it was on the radio.
Yes, this must be true because I don't think I could make that up. -AnnieO
Nerd Alert: I actually took the time to look. Let's not think about the fact that this happened sixteen years ago yet I was able to recall this specifically (I was new to DC and thought it infinitely cool that a legislator could introduce a bill to outlaw their own personal pet peeve. The power!!)
HR 3419 IH
104th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 3419
To require the Federal Communications Commission to prescribe rules to protect public safety by preventing broadcasts that create hazards for motorists.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
May 8, 1996
Mr. VENTO introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce
A BILL
To require the Federal Communications Commission to prescribe rules to protect public safety by preventing broadcasts that create hazards for motorists.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds that--
(1) the Federal Government has an obligation to protect the health and safety of United States citizens;
(2) motor vehicle operators, when distracted, can pose a safety risk to others on the roads; and
(3) radio broadcasts that employ sound effects identical or substantially similar to customary public safety or traffic sounds, such as horns, sirens, or train whistles, can be distracting and hazardous to motor vehicle operators.
SEC. 2. RULES REQUIRED.
The Federal Communications Commission shall establish rules barring the use of horns, sirens, or other customary public safety or traffic sounds from audio broadcasts as necessary to prevent such sounds effects from adversely affecting the public safety of motor vehicle operators, passengers, or pedestrians.
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