why can they swear on the fx network? i hear them say **** and other words all the time?

Question

is it not the same kind of tv network at abc or nbc?

Answer 1

Due to it not being a regular broadcasting network like abc. It is considered as a cable channel like hbo and showtime but less severe as those channels.

Answer 2

A little historical background is needed here. When radio and television first were invented, it quickly became apparent that competing signals could have the effect of interfering with each other or blocking each other out. In response, the Federal Communications Commission was created to regulate broadcast frequencies. Because broadcast frequencies were limited, the courts have recognized the right of the FCC to place conditions on over the air broadcast.

As part of FCC regulations, there is a prohibition on broadcast networks using the "seven dirty words." Doing so can result in FCC fines. As such, the broadcast networks (those that you can pick up without subscribing to cable or satelite) can't use "foul" language.

Cable controls its own feed. It chooses what networks to include and is able to prevent the problem of interference of signals. As such, it is, for the most part, exempt from FCC control. Thus, while ABC, PBS, NBC, CW, MyNetwork, Ion, Fox, CBS, and local independents are restricted, cable stations such as USA, FX, ESPN, Sci-Fi, MTV, the Comedy Channel are not clearly subject to the rules governing foul language. (To date, the FCC has not tried to expressly enforce these rules against cable stations and it is very likely that the FCC would lose in court if it did.) The only restriction that cable stations has is their common ownership with broadcast stations. While the FCC can't directly regulate the cable networks, some of the cable networks self-regulate to avoid getting on the bad side of the FCC when their broadcast partners need a favor.

Answer 3

I think it's because ABC and NBC can be seen on regular programming, like with antennas so anyone can watch it. They can swear on cable networks like FX because people pay for them, and most cable companies have a way for parents to block shows that they don't want their kids to watch. Hope this helps!