FCC considering ban on Redskins nickname, punishment for announcers

The Federal Communications Commission, an independent government agency that regulates radio and television broadcasts, is considering whether to fine and punish broadcasters for using the Washington Redskins nickname, per CNBC.

John Banzhaf III, a George Washington University law professor, has sent the FCC a petition asking regulators to strip Washington D.C. radio station WWXX-FM (ESPN) of its broadcasting license when it comes up for renewal for using the name Redskins, which Banzhaf deems to be “akin to broadcasting obscenity.”

[Join FanDuel.com’s $1.5 million Week 5 fantasy league: $25 to enter; $150,000 to first]

FCC chairman Tom Wheeler said yesterday that the petition is under consideration.

“We’ll be looking at that petition, we will be dealing with that issue on the merits and we’ll be responding accordingly,” Wheeler said Tuesday. “There are a lot of names and descriptions that were used over time that are inappropriate today. And I think the name that is attributed to the Washington football club is one of those.”

If the word “Redskins” is deemed to be indecent — and some do consider it a slur against Native Americans — the FCC could impose a de facto ban on the word being used on television and radio. Broadcasters who then use the word would be subject to fine and/or possible suspension.

Despite mounting political pressure, Redskins team owner Daniel Snyder has thus far refused to consider changing the name.

– – – – – – –

Eric Edholm is a writer for Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Eric_Edholm