Final answer:
The FCC ensures the airwaves are free from indecent content between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., with the aim to protect children in the audience from potentially harmful material.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) works to keep the airwaves free of indecent content between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. This regulation is in place because there is a reasonable risk that children may be in the audience during these hours. Indecent material is defined by the FCC as content that depicts or describes sexual or excretory organs or activities in a manner that is patently offensive by contemporary community standards. Though indecent material is protected by the First Amendment and cannot be banned entirely, the FCC prohibits it on broadcast radio and television when children are likely to be in the audience. Obscene material, on the other hand, is not protected by the First Amendment and is not allowed to be broadcast at any time. If a station violates these rules, the FCC has the authority to impose fines, revoke broadcasting licenses, or both.