As part of the agreement, Viacom admits that some of the material that it broadcast was indecent, in violation of the law. In addition to the $3.5 million payment to the U.S. Treasury, Viacom has committed to implementing a company-wide Compliance Plan aimed at preventing future violations.
According to Inside Radio reports: "Infinity admits that some of the material that aired on various radio shows was indecent - and agrees to create a "company-wide compliance plan." The global action covers many Infinity stations, like WNEW, New York, WLLD, Tampa, WKRK-FM, Detroit, WYSP, Philadelphia and WJFK-FM, Washington."
Commissioner Kevin J. Martin, issued a concurring opinion which noted:
"...This consent decree differs significantly from others which we have recently reached involving indecency complaints. For example, the consent decrees that we signed with both Clear Channel Communications and Emmis Communications – which were identical to each other – require more concrete actions to protect against and deter the airing of inappropriate material in the future...I am concerned that this consent decree is significantly different and may be less of a deterrent for future violations."
Commissioner Jonathan S. Adelstein commented:
"I support today’s action. By admitting that certain broadcasts violated our indecency rules, by making a sizable contribution to the U.S. Treasury, and by entering into a company-wide compliance plan involving training, internal investigations and suspensions, and delay mechanisms, Viacom has renewed its commitment to prevent the broadcast of indecent material on its stations...Given Infinity Broadcasting’s history with the Commission, we will expect strict adherence to today’s agreement."
- portions from an F.C.C. News Release
