The Federal Communications Commission leveled a record $3.6 million fine yesterday against 111 television stations that broadcast an episode of "Without a Trace" in December 2004, with the agency saying the CBS show suggested that its teenage characters were participating in a sexual orgy...In a statement last night, CBS said it continued to disagree that the incident was "legally indecent." "More than two years ago we apologized to viewers for the inappropriate and unexpected halftime incident," the statement said. "We will continue to pursue all remedies necessary to affirm our legal rights. Today's decision by the F.C.C. is just another step in the process."Michael K. Powell, the former chairman of the commission, was criticized for a hard line on indecency cases, but Mr. Martin appears to be taking an even tougher stance. He is also promising to speed the F.C.C.'s response time, vowing to address complaints within nine months of being lodged, said Tamara Lipper, a spokeswoman for the F.C.C. Ms. Lipper said the orders could give broadcasters guidance in what is appropriate programming. "The commission is committed to a restrained, effective and consistent approach," she said. Tim Winter, the executive director of the Parents Television Council, a conservative advocacy group, said the group believed that the law was applied properly "in every instance." "We absolutely are elated by the rulings handed down by the F.C.C.," Mr. Winter said. "Where they could fine a broadcaster for breaking the law, they did so. We think this sends a very powerful signal that those who violate the law will be punished." E. Christopher Murray, a civil rights lawyer at Reisman, Peirez & Reisman in Garden City, N.Y., said the decisions might have a chilling effect on broadcasters. "The F.C.C., in its mind, is getting tougher on these kinds of programs," Mr. Murray said. "But there's going to be a difficult job for the TV networks to determine what's acceptable and what's not."
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