BEFORE THE SUPREME COURT: Whether policing curse words and nudity on broadcast television makes sense in the cable era.
THE BACKDROP: Programs are available to viewers free over the air — even though many now receive it through paid cable connections — during hours when children are likely to be watching.
REACTION: One justice suggested the policy is fast becoming moot as broadcast TV heads the way of “vinyl records and 8-track tapes.” Some justices said they were troubled by inconsistent standards that allowed certain words and displays in some contexts but not in others.
