The Senate agreed to fine radio and television broadcasters and personalities as much as $3 million per incident for airing indecent entertainment. Lawmakers have criticized broadcasters for airing increasingly coarse programming.

Under the measure, the maximum fine for both broadcasters and entertainers would increase to up to $275,000 per incident, up from $27,500 for license holders and $11,000 for personalities. The fines would keep increasing for each incident until it reaches $3 million.

The House passed a similar bill that would set fines at $500,000. Differences between the two bills must be worked out.
(USA TODAY - Wednesday, June 23, 2004)