ABC - ABC FACING FINE OVER NYPD BLUE BUTTOCKS EXPOSURE

U.S. TV network ABC is facing a multi-million dollar fine after it aired an episode of NYPD Blue depicting female nudity. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) reports a show broadcast in 2003 featured "multiple, close-up views" of a lady's rear before the American watershed. The FCC rules "sexual or excretory activities" shown in an "offensive" way prior to 11pm are indecent - however ABC insists the buttocks are not a sexual organ and plan to appeal the ruling. An ABC spokeswoman pointed out the programme was broadcast with parental warnings and "the realistic nature of NYPD Blue's storylines was well-known to the viewing public". If found guilty of the indecency charge, the network will have to pay a $1.4 million (GBP700,000) fine - the second largest indecency fine imposed on a U.S. broadcaster.