denver area educational telecommunications consortium et al federal communications commission et argued february decided june cases involve three sections cable television consumer protection competition act act implemented federal communications commission fcc regulations section applies leased access channels reserved federal law commercial lease parties unaffiliated cable television system section regulates public access channels required local governments public educational governmental permit operator allow prohibit programming reasonably believes depicts sexual activities organs patently offensive manner section applies leased access channels operators required segregate patently offensive programming single channel block channel viewer access unblock later reblock within days subscriber written request congress authorized municipalities require operators create public access channels act passage federal law prohibited operators exercising editorial control content programs broadcast either type access channel petitioners sought judicial review section sections implemented consistent first amendment held judgment affirmed part reversed part affirmed part reversed part justice breyer delivered opinion respect part iii concluding section violates first amendment section segregate block requirements obvious effects viewers watch programs segregated patently offensive channel without considerable advance planning receive occasional programs may judge program value company keeps refrain subscribing segregated channel fear operator disclose subscriber list moreover section appropriately tailored achieve basic legitimate objective protecting children exposure patently offensive materials less restrictive means utilized congress elsewhere protect children patently offensive sexual material broadcast cable channels indicate section overly restrictive benefits speculative include provisions telecommunications act utilizes blocking without written request significantly less restrictive means lockbox requirement place since cable act pp justice breyer joined justice stevens justice justice souter concluded parts ii section consistent first amendment pp close scrutiny demonstrates section properly addresses serious problem without imposing light relevant competing interests unnecessarily great restriction speech first section comes accompanied extremely important justification often found compelling see sable communications fcc second section arises particular permission cable operators regulate programming previous act congress path access cable channels free operator control first amendment interests involved therefore complex require balance interests served access requirements increasing availability avenues expression programmers otherwise see pp disadvantage first amendment interests cable operators programmers operator assigned channels devoted access see turner broadcasting system fcc third problem section addresses analogous indecent radio broadcasts issue fcc pacifica foundation balance congress struck commensurate balance approved case fourth section permissive nature means likely restricts speech less ban issue pacifica importance interest stake children exposure patently offensive depictions sex accommodation interests programmers maintaining access channels cable operators editing contents channels similarity problem solution issue pacifica flexibility inherent approach permits private cable operators make editorial decisions persuasively establishes section sufficiently tailored response extraordinarily important problem involving complex balance interests sable supra turner supra distinguished pp petitioners reliance public forum cases unavailing unnecessary unwise decide whether apply public forum doctrine leased access channels first clear whether doctrine imported wholesale common carriage regulation new changing area second although limited public forums permissible yet determined whether decision limit forum necessarily subject highest level scrutiny cases require finally important features make section acceptable constraint speech also make acceptable limitation access claimed public forum pp impermissibly vague language used similar adopted miller california guidelin state obscenity laws appear narrow cable operators authority materials involve kind sexually explicit materials obscene miller might serious literary artistic political scientific value nonprurient purposes ibid definition overly broad indicated construction phrase patently offensive see pacifica supra narrow category late night audience basically adult fact section permits operators screen programs pursuant written published policy definition reasonabl belie qualifier seems designed provide legal excuse operator honest mistake constrains operator discretion much protects pp justice breyer joined justice stevens justice souter concluded part iv section violates first amendment section different section four reasons first cable operators historically exercised editorial control public access channels section restriction programmers capacity speak effect countervailing removal restriction cable operators speech second programming channels normally subject complex supervisory systems composed public private elements section therefore likely less necessary protect children third existence system encourages secures programming community considers valuable strongly suggests cable operator veto likely erroneously exclude borderline programs broadcast achieve statute basic objective protecting children fourth government shown significant enough problem patently offensive broadcasts children public access channels justifies restriction first amendment pp justice kennedy joined justice ginsburg concurred judgment public access channels regulated section required local cable franchise authorities channels designated public forums property government opened expressive activity public international soc krishna consciousness lee section vests cable operator power federal law defined reference content speech override franchise agreement undercut public forum agreement creates government thus excludes speech public forum basis content constitution requires regulation given exacting scrutiny see ibid section survive strict scrutiny although congress compelling interest protecting children indecent speech see sable communications section narrowly tailored serve interest since among things basis record establishing section least restrictive means accomplish purpose see sable communications supra government argument applying strict scrutiny indecent cablecasts subject lower standard review applied fcc pacifica foundation persuasive since lower standard even apply infringements liberties cable operators turner broadcasting system fcc less cause lower standard rights cable programmers viewers stake pp justice thomas joined chief justice justice scalia agreed section constitutionally permissible cable operators generally entitled much first amendment protection print media turner broadcasting system fcc miami herald publishing tornillo pacific gas elec public util therefore applicable see turner supra concurring part dissenting part cable operator editorial rights general primacy first amendment rights programmers transmit viewers watch none petitioners cable operators cable viewers access programmers representative organizations cable access provisions part scheme restricts operators free speech rights expands speaking opportunities programmers underlying constitutional right speak cable medium programmers challenge scheme particular part abridgment freedom speech sections operator absent government regulation pp breyer announced judgment delivered opinion respect part iii stevens kennedy souter ginsburg joined opinion respect parts ii stevens souter joined opinion respect parts iv vi stevens souter joined stevens souter filed concurring opinions filed opinion concurring part dissenting part kennedy filed opinion concurring part concurring judgment part dissenting part ginsburg joined thomas filed opinion concurring judgment part dissenting part rehnquist scalia joined notice opinion subject formal revision publication preliminary print reports readers requested notify reporter decisions washington typographical formal errors order corrections may made preliminary print goes press end syllabus nos denver area educational telecommunications consortium et petitioners federal communications commission et al alliance community media et petitioners federal communications commission et al writs certiorari appeals district columbia circuit june justice breyer announced judgment delivered opinion respect part iii opinion respect parts ii justice stevens justice justice souter join opinion respect parts iv vi justice stevens justice souter join cases present first amendment challenges three statutory provisions seek regulate broadcasting patently offensive material cable television cable television consumer protection competition act act act stat section section note following section provisions apply programs broadcast cable known leased access channels public educational governmental channels two provisions essentially permit cable system operator prohibit broadcasting programming operator reasonably believes describes depicts sexual excretory activities organs patently offensive manner act section see section consumer protection competition act indecent programming types materials cable access channels first report order fcc rcd first report order implementation section cable consumer protection competition act indecent programming types materials cable access channels second report order fcc rcd second report order remaining provision requires cable system operators segregate certain patently offensive programming place single channel block channel viewer access unless viewer requests access advance writing act section cfr section conclude first permits operator decide whether broadcast programs leased access consistent first amendment second provision requires leased channel operators segregate block programming third provision applicable public educational governmental channels violate first amendment appropriately tailored achieve basic legitimate objective protecting children exposure patently offensive material leased channel channel federal law requires cable system operator reserve commercial lease unaffiliated third parties percent cable system channels typically fall category see section ublic educational governmental channels shall call public access channels channels years local governments required cable system operators set aside public educational governmental purposes part consideration operator gives return permission install cables city streets use public see section see also authorizing local authorities require creation public access channels federal law much state law respect public access channels prohibited cable system operators exercising editorial control content program broadcast either leased public access channels see section public access leased access effort control sexually explicit programming conveyed access channels congress enacted three provisions us first two provisions relate leased channels first says subsection shall permit cable operator enforce prospectively written published policy prohibiting programming cable operator reasonably believes describes depicts sexual excretory activities organs patently offensive manner measured contemporary community standards act section stat third provision similar first provision applies public access channels relevant statutory section instructs fcc promulgate regulations enable cable operator cable system prohibit use system channel capacity public educational governmental access facility programming contains obscene material sexually explicit conduct material soliciting promoting unlawful conduct act section ibid upshot said beginning federal law us statute implemented regulations permits cable operators either allow forbid transmission patently offensive materials leased public access channels requires operators minimum segregate block transmission material leased channels petitioners claiming three statutory provisions implemented commission regulations violate first amendment sought judicial review commission first report order second report order appeals district columbia circuit panel circuit agreed petitioners provisions violated first amendment alliance community media fcc entire appeals however heard case en banc reached opposite conclusion held three statutory provisions implemented consistent first amendment alliance community media fcc four eleven en banc appeals judges dissented two dissenting judges concluded three provisions violated first amendment two others thought either one two three provisions violated first amendment granted certiorari review en banc first amendment determinations ii recognize first amendment terms apply governmental action ordinarily throw constitutional doubt decisions private citizens permit restrict ordinarily even decisions take place within framework regulatory regime broadcasting courts might face difficult potentially restrictive practical task deciding among number private parties involved providing program example networks station owners program editors program producers speaker whose rights may abridged censor furthermore held editorial function aspect speech see turner slip decision private party say station owner censor interfere private censor freedom speak editor thus surprisingly first amendment broadcasting cases dealt governmental efforts restrict governmental efforts provide maintain broadcaster freedom pick choose programming columbia broadcasting system democratic national committee striking restrictions broadcaster ability refuse carry political advertising red lion broadcasting fcc upholding restrictions editorial authority fcc league women voters striking restrictions cf consolidated edison public serv striking ban political speech public utility using billing envelopes broadcast medium central hudson gas elec public serv striking restriction public utility advertising nonetheless petitioners conceding ordinarily point circumstances view make analogy private broadcasters inapposite make case special one warranting different constitutional result practical matter say cable system operators considerably power censor program viewing broadcasters individual communities typically one cable system linking broadcasters program providers community many subscribers see turner supra slip one cable system communities nationally homes subscribe cable becomes primary sole source video programming overwhelming majority homes moreover concern system operators exercise considerable power originally led insist operators provide leased public access channels free operator editorial control permit system operators supervise programming leased access channels create risk anticensorship effort sought avoid time petitioners add cable systems two relevant special characteristics unusually involved government depend upon government permission government facilities streets string cable necessary services respect leased channels speech interests relatively weak act less like editors newspapers television broadcasters like common carriers telephone companies circumstances petitioners conclude congress permissive law actuality abridge free speech treat law congressionally imposed restriction unredeemed properly tailored effort serve compelling interest see simon schuster members state crime victims sable communications fcc analogize provisions constitutionally forbidden restrictions upon speech taking place public forums public streets parks buildings dedicated open speech communication see cornelius naacp legal defense ed fund perry ed assn perry local educators see also supra identifying public access channels electronic equivalent speaker soap box finally petitioners say legal standard law contains patently offensive standard unconstitutionally vague see interstate circuit dallas rejecting censorship ordinance vague even though intended protect children like petitioners justices kennedy thomas us decide case simply transferring applying literally categorical standards developed contexts justice kennedy leased access channels like common carrier cablecast protected medium strict scrutiny applies section fails test therefore section invalid post justice thomas case simple cable operator owns system access channels broadcast like bookstore owner respect displays shelves predominant first amendment interest post categorical approaches suffer flaws import law developed different contexts new changing environment lack flexibility necessary allow government respond serious practical problems without sacrificing free exchange ideas first amendment designed protect history first amendment jurisprudence however one continual development constitution general command congress shall make law abridging freedom speech press applied new circumstances requiring different adaptations prior principles precedents essence protection congress may regulate speech except cases extraordinary need exercise degree care elsewhere required see schenck abrams holmes dissenting west viginia bd ed barnette texas johnson time cases left congress powerless address serious problems see chaplinsky new hampshire young american mini theaters fcc pacifica foundation years restated refined basic first amendment principles adopting particularly balance competing interests special circumstances field application see new york times sullivan allowing criticism public officials regulated civil libel plaintiff shows actual malice gertz robert welch allowing greater regulation speech harming individuals public officials still requiring negligence standard red lion broadcasting fcc employing highly flexible standard response scarcity problem unique broadcast arkansas writers project ragland requiring compelling state interest narrowly drawn means context differential taxation media sable supra applying compelling interest least restrictive means narrowly tailored requirements indecent telephone communications turner slip using heightened scrutiny address regulations cable system broadcasts central hudson gas elec restriction commercial speech extensive necessary serve substantial government interest tradition teaches first amendment embodies overarching commitment protect speech government regulation close judicial scrutiny thereby enforcing constitution constraints without imposing judicial formulae rigid become straightjacket disables government responding serious problems different contexts consistently held government may directly regulate speech address extraordinary problems regulations appropriately tailored resolve problems without imposing unnecessarily great restriction speech justices kennedy thomas us declare among many applications general approach developed years applying definitive choice among competing analogies broadcast common carrier bookstore allows us declare rigid single standard good future media purposes say reject specific formulations appropriately cover vast majority cases involving government regulation speech rather aware changes taking place law technology industrial structure related telecommunications see telecommunications act stat believe unwise unnecessary definitively pick one analogy one specific set words see columbia broadcasting problems regulation rendered difficult broadcast industry dynamic terms technological change solutions adequate decade ago necessarily acceptable today may well outmoded years hence pacifica supra long recognized medium expression presents special first amendment problems therefore think premature answer broad questions justices kennedy thomas raise efforts find definitive analogy deciding example extent private property designated public forum compare post kennedy concurring part dissenting part post thomas dissenting part concurring judgment whether public access channels public forum post kennedy whether government viewpoint neutral decision limit public forum subject scrutiny selective exclusion public forum post kennedy whether exclusion common carriage must purposes treated like exclusion public forum post kennedy whether interests owners communications media always subordinate interests users medium post thomas rather decide issues decide case narrowly closely scrutinizing section assure properly addresses extremely important problem without imposing light relevant interests unnecessarily great restriction speech importance interest stake children exposure patently offensive depictions sex accommodation interests programmers maintaining access channels cable operators editing contents channels similarity problem solution issue pacifica supra flexibility inherent approach permits private cable operators make editorial decisions lead us conclude section sufficiently tailored response extraordinarily important problem first provision us comes accompanied extremely important justification one often found need protect children exposure patently offensive material sable communications ginsberg new york new york ferber second provision arises particular permission cable operators regulate programming previous act congress path access cable channels free operator control first amendment interests involved therefore complex involve balance interests served access requirements increasing availability avenues expression programmers otherwise pp disadvantage first amendment interests cable operators programmers cable operator assigned channels devoted access see turner slip third problem congress addressed remarkably similar problem addressed fcc pacifica balance congress struck commensurate balance approved pacifica considered governmental ban radio broadcast indecent materials defined part like provisions us include language describes terms patently offensive measured contemporary community standards broadcast medium sexual excretory activities organs times day reasonable risk children may audience quoting factors present cable television broadcasting including access channel broadcasting accessible children broadcasting see heeter greenberg baldwin paugh srigley atkin parental influences viewing style cableviewing heeter greenberg eds children spend time watching television view channels parents whether household subscribes cable receives television air cable television systems including access channels established uniquely pervasive presence lives americans pacifica supra see jost future television cq researcher american homes subscribe cable greenberg heeter sipes cable noncable viewing style comparisons cableviewing cable households spend day average watching television watch channels households without cable service patently offensive material stations confron citizen privacy home pacifica supra little prior warning cableviewing cable subscribers tend use guides broadcast viewers difference among groups amount viewing planned fact cable subscribers tended sample channels settling program thereby making less susceptible random exposure unwanted materials nothing stop adults feel need finding similar programming elsewhere say tape theaters fact power cable systems control home program viewing absolute broadcasting direct broadcast satellites already provide alternative ways programmers reach home likely greater extent near future see generally telecommunications act stat section advanced television services direct broadcast satellite video programming telephone companies availability navigation devices enhance multichannel programming johnson toward competition cable television fourth permissive nature section means likely restricts speech less ban issue pacifica provision removes restriction cable operators see supra moreover although provision create risk program appear risk certainty accompanies governmental ban fact glance programming cable operators allow nonaccess channels suggests distinction theoretical real see app regular channel broadcast playboy real sex programming finally provision permissive nature brings flexibility allows cable operators example ban broadcasts say rearrange broadcast times better fit desires adult audiences lessening risks harm children see first report order para fcc rcd interpreting act provisions allow cable operators broad discretion offensive materials respects permissive nature approach taken congress renders measure appropriate means achieving underlying purpose protecting children course cable system operators may always rearrange reschedule patently offensive programming sometimes petitioners fear may ban programming instead may said pacifica ban practice fcc daytime broadcast ban become total ban depending upon private operators programmers station owners networks responded decide whether reschedule daytime show nighttime broadcast light comparative audience demand host practical factors similarly determine practical outcomes provisions us upshot cases must uncertainty practical governmental ban one case permission common uncertainty makes difficult say provision respect restrictive order pacifica time respects discussed provision significantly less restrictive existence complex balance interests persuades us permissive nature provision coupled application constitutionally permissible way protect children type sexual material concerned congress accommodating first amendment interests served access requirements served restoring cable operators degree editorial control congress removed basic disagreement justice kennedy narrow like believe must scrutinize section greatest care like justices kennedy thomas believe interest protecting children section purports serve compelling part company justice kennedy two issues first justice kennedy focus categorical analysis forces disregard cable system operators interests post hand recognize context cable broadcast involves access requirement partial removal unlike cases explicitly required narrow tailoring expressive interests cable operators play legitimate role cf turner slip agree justice thomas everything turns rights cable owner see post also agree justice kennedy must ignore expressive interests cable operators altogether second justice kennedy application strict narrow tailoring test depends upon analogy category public forum cases distilled time similarities many cases rather seeking analogy category cases however looked cases said found pacifica provides closest analogy lends considerable support conclusion petitioners justice kennedy see post argue opposite result required two cases sable communications fcc case found unconstitutional statute banned indecent telephone messages turner stated cable broadcast receives full first amendment protection see turner supra slip ban issue sable however total governmentally imposed ban category communications also involved communications medium telephone service significantly less likely expose children banned material less intrusive allowed significantly control comes home either broadcasting cable transmission system us see distinction turner furthermore cable broadcast television relied inapplicability spectrum scarcity problem cable see slip distinction relevant turner justification structural regulations issue must carry rules little case involves effects television viewing children effects result parents children view television programming pervasive intrusive programming respect cable broadcast television differ little see supra justice kennedy us decide common carriage exclusions subject highest scrutiny see post decide case basis categories provide imprecise analogies rather basis contextual assessment consistent first amendment tradition assessing whether congress carefully appropriately addressed serious problem petitioners also rely public forum cases point perry ed assn perry local educators case said public forums places government opened use public place expressive activity long tradition devoted assembly debate see also cornelius naacp legal defense ed fund assuming public forums may include private property dedicated public use add government enforce exclusion public forum unless necessary serve compelling state interest narrowly drawn perry supra argue statute permissive provisions unjustifiably exclude material basis content public forum government created form access channels justice kennedy adds analogy decision exclude certain content common carriage similarly subject strict scrutiny satisfy standard review see post three reasons however unnecessary indeed unwise us definitively decide whether apply public forum doctrine leased access channels first may exclusions right use common carriers violate first amendment see post kennedy clear public forum doctrine imported wholesale area common carriage regulation discussed wary notion partial analogy one context developed doctrines compel full range decisions new changing area see supra second plain cases public forum may created limited purpose perry supra see also cornelius supra government required indefinitely retain open character facility quoting perry supra cases yet determined however government decision dedicate public forum one type content another necessarily subject highest level scrutiny must local government example show compelling state interest builds band shell park dedicates solely classical music jazz answer obvious cf perry supra minimum case require us answer finally important effects congress decision interests programmers viewers cable operators children whether characterize congress decision one limits access public forum discriminates common carriage constrains speech content consider particular limitation indecent television programming acceptable constraint speech must less accept limitation places access claimed public forum use common carrier consequently one wishes view permissive provisions us public forum lens one view provisions limiting otherwise totally open nature forum leased access channels provide communication patently offensive sexual account fact limitation imposed light experience gained maintaining totally open forum one must still ask whether first amendment forbids limitation unless label alone make critical first amendment difference think features case already government interest protecting children permissive aspect statute nature justify limitation availability forum finally petitioners argue definition materials subject challenged provisions vague thereby granting cable system operators broad authority cf hoffman estates flipside hoffman estates citing grayned rockford vague laws may lead arbitrary enforcement dombrowski pfister uncertainty may perniciously chill speech definition however uses language similar language previously used roughly similar purposes provisions augmented fcc regulations permit cable system operators prohibit programming cable operator reasonably believes describes depicts sexual excretory activities organs patently offensive manner measured contemporary community standards act section stat whether average person applying contemporary community standards find work taken whole appeals prurient interest whether work depicts describes patently offensive way sexual conduct specifically defined applicable state law whether work taken whole lacks serious literary artistic political scientific value ibid emphasis added internal quotation marks omitted history suggests statute language aims kind programming sponsors oral sex bestiality rape see cong rec statement helms scientific educational programs least unless done highly unusual lack concern viewer reaction moreover pointed pacifica patently offensive depends context kind program appears degree occasional expletive time broadcast pig offensive parlor barnyard programming two morning seen basically adult audience patently offensive must defined fact mind statute protects overly broad application standards insofar permits cable system operators screen programs pursuant written published policy act section stat cable system operator find difficult show leased access program prohibition reflects rational policy operator permits similarly offensive programming run elsewhere system comparable times comparable ways concede statute protection overly broad application somewhat diminished fact permits cable operator ban programming operator reasonably believes patently offensive ibid emphasis added reasonabl belie qualifier elsewhere law seems designed expand category law aims rather provide legal excuse least one honest mistake liability might otherwise attach cf waters churchill slip souter concurring public employer reasonable belief employee engaged unprotected speech excuses liability gypsum meeting competition defense antitrust based reasonable belief necessity meet competition pierson ray police officer defense constitutional claim officers peace common law actions false arrest officer reasonably believed statute whose violation precipitated arrest valid contours discretion cable operator much protect example already found substantially similar programming beyond pale patently offensive material local authority overseeing local public governmental educational channels indicated materials type cable operator decides ban patently offensive community cable operator hard pressed claim exclusion material reasonable conclude statute impermissibly vague reasons discussed conclude section consistent first amendment iii requirements obvious restrictive effects several delays along single channel segregation mean subscriber decide watch single program without considerable advance planning without letting patently offensive channel entirety invade household days perhaps weeks time restrictions prevent programmers broadcasting viewers select programs day day surfing minute minute viewers like occasionally watch many programs patently offensive channel viewers simply tend judge program value channel reputation company keeps moreover written notice requirement restrict viewing subscribers fear reputations operator advertently inadvertently disclose list wish watch patently offensive channel cf lamont postmaster general finding unconstitutional requirement recipients communist literature notify post office wish receive added costs burdens requirements impose upon cable system operator may encourage operator ban programming operator otherwise permit run even late night government argues despite adverse consequences segregate block requirements lawful least restrictive means realizing compelling interest namely protecting physical psychological minors see brief federal respondents quoting sable adds event first amendment applied pacifica require regulations indecency television subject strictest first amendment standard review ibid agree government protection children compelling interest see supra agree segregate block requirements properly accommodate speech restrictions impose legitimate objective seek attain need determine whether extent pacifica impose lesser standard review indecent speech issue compare opinion stevens indecent materials enjoy lesser first amendment protection powell concurring part concurring judgment refusing accept lesser standard nonobscene indecent material one examines governmental restriction becomes apparent least restrictive alternative narrowly tailored meet legitimate objective also seems considerably extensive necessary say fails satisfy formulations first amendment strictest well somewhat less strict requirements see sable compelling interest least restrictive means requirements applied indecent telephone communications requiring narrowly tailored law turner slip using heightened scrutiny address structural regulations cable systems slip quoting greater essential language example heightened first amendment scrutiny central hudson restriction commercial speech extensive necessary florida bar went slip restriction must narrowly drawn must reasonable fit objective legitimates speech restriction provision us reveal caution care standards underlying various verbal formulas impose upon laws seek reconcile critically important interest protecting free speech important even compelling interests sometimes warrant restrictions several circumstances lead us conclusion one thing law recently amended uses means protect children similar patently offensive material broadcast unleased cable channels broadcast system numerous ordinary public access channels law recently amended requires cable operators scramble block programming unleased channel primarily dedicated programming telecommunications act section stat emphasis added addition cable operators must honor subscriber request block programs channel wish subscribe section ibid manufacturers future make television sets device able automatically identify block sexually explicit violent programs section although decide whether new provisions lawful matter us note significantly less restrictive provision issue force viewer receive days weeks time patently offensive programming none lead viewer automatically judge reputation many automatically place occasional viewer name special list therefore inevitably lead us ask adequately protect children patently offensive material broadcast ordinary channels offer adequate protection similar leased channel broadcasts well alternatively provisions adequately protect children patently offensive material broadcast ordinary channels one justify severe leased channel restrictions given ordinary channel programming yield little additional protection children record answer questions explain new act blocking written protects children exposure regular channels adequately protect children programming similarly channels leased explain simple subscriber blocking request system perhaps based system adequately protect children patently offensive material broadcast ordinary channels almost channels far restrictive system needed protect children similar broadcasts absence segregation requirement channels leased indication congress thought new ordinary channel protections less adequate answers questions obvious empirical reason believe example channels mostly leased channels patently offensive programming channels found mostly leased channels contrary parties briefs major city television guides provide examples seems likely programming broadcast kinds channels recognize solicitor general properly points congress need deal every problem cf semler oregon bd dental examiners legislature need strike evils time congress also must degree leeway tailoring means ends columbia broadcasting light statute seems fair say congress tried deal problem point take congress different significantly less restrictive treatment highly similar problem least indication restrictive means essential prove helpful cf boos barry existence less restrictive statute suggested challenged ordinance aimed problem overly restrictive record description discussion different lockbox different route similar conclusion cable communications policy act required cable operators provide upon request subscriber device subscriber prohibit viewing particular cable service periods selected subscriber section government sets forth reasons follows case lockboxes parents discover devices exist find cable operators offer sale spend time money buy one learn program lockbox block undesired programs finally exercise sufficient vigilance ensure indeed locked whatever indecent programming wish children view brief federal respondents provision concede short absolute ban offer certain protection assault determined child however generally allowed fact alone justify reduc ing adult population fit children sable quoting bolger youngs drug products turn quoting butler michigan see sable supra leaving problem aside solicitor general list practical difficulties seem call segregate block requirements rather informational requirements simple coding system readily available blocking equipment perhaps accessible telephone imposing cost burdens upon system operators may spread subscription fees perhaps even system requires lockbox defaults set block certain channels say kinds requirements resemble congress recently imposed upon leased channels reason lockbox description discussion frailties reinforces conclusion leased channel provision overly restrictive measured benefits likely achieve add record discussion lockbox explain law treats leased channels restrictively ordinary channels may course explanations congress may simply bothered change leased channel provisions introduced new system channels responses sort like guesses comparative seriousness problem legally adequate cases record congress agency provides convincing explanation willing stretch limits plausible create hypothetical nonobvious explanations order justify laws impose significant restrictions upon speech see sable supra congressional record presented us contains evidence effective ineffective fcc recent regulations might prove simon schuster minneapolis star tribune minnesota revenue arkansas writers project ragland consequently find segregate block restrictions speech narrowly reasonably tailored effort protect children rather overly restrictive sacrific ing important first amendment interests speculative gain columbia broadcasting see league women voters reason consistent first amendment iv first historical background justice kennedy points see post cable operators traditionally agreed reserve channel capacity public governmental educational channels part consideration give municipalities award cable franchises see terms preferred justice thomas see post requirement reserve capacity public access channels similar reservation public easement dedication land streets parks part municipality approval subdivision land cf post kennedy significantly channels cable operators historically exercised editorial control supra unlike section therefore section restore cable operators editorial rights countervailing first amendment interest nonexistent least much diminished see also post kennedy second difference institutional background developed result historical difference leased channel made available operator private lessee lessee total control programming leased time slot see section public access channels hand normally subject complex supervisory systems various sorts often public private elements see section franchising authorities may require rules procedures use public access channel capacity municipalities generally provide cable franchising agreements access channel manager commonly nonprofit organization may also municipality instances cable system owner see brenner price myerson cable television nonbroadcast video para aufderheide public access cable programming controversial speech free expression hereinafter aufderheide reprinted app surveying communities access manager nonprofit organization local government official cable operator unidentified entity agosta rogoff norman participate report case study public access cable television new york state attached exh joint comments alliance community media et filed fcc mm docket materials filed hereinafter fcc record new york public access systems access channels programmed jointly cable operator another institution university library access organization agosta fcc record comments national cable television association fcc record operators often involvement peg channels run local access organizations access channel activity management partly financed public franchise fees payments pursuant franchise agreement general municipal funds see brenner para aufderheide app commonly subject supervision local supervisory board see code ann section supp lynchburg city code section system public private mixed nonprofit elements supervising boards nonprofit governmental access managers set programming policy approve disapprove particular programming services system police policy example requiring indemnification programmers certification compliance local standards time segregation adult content advisories even prescreening individual programs see second report order fcc rcd para rom comments received appears number access organizations already place procedures require certification statements compliance local standards equivalent access programmers comments boston community access programming foundation app aufderheide app comments metropolitan area communications commission fcc record reply comments waycross community television fcc record reply comments columbus community cable access app reply comments city paul app reply comments erik mollberg public access coordinator wayne fcc record comments defiance community television fcc record comments nutmeg public access television fcc record whether locally accountable bodies prescreen programming promulgate rules use public access channels merely available respond problems arise upshot locally accountable body capable addressing problem arise patently offensive programming broadcast children making unlikely many children fact exposed programming considered patently offensive community see second report order supra para third existence system aimed encouraging securing programming community considers valuable strongly suggests cable operator veto less likely necessary achieve statute basic objective protecting children similar veto context leased channels course system access managers supervising boards make mistakes operator might cases correct veto power balanced potential benefit however risk veto may mistaken use threatened use prevent presentation programming though borderline patently offensive targeted audience see aufderheide app describing programs considered borderline access managers including sex education health education broadcasts politically marginal groups various artistic experiments latter threat must bulk large within system already publicly accountable systems maintaining responsible programs finally examination legislative history record us consistent common sense suggests namely programming control systems place normally avoid minimize eliminate problems concerning patently offensive programming found anecdotal references seem isolated instances potentially indecent programming may well occurred leased public access channels see cong rec statement wirth mentioning abuses time warner new york city channel see comments manhattan neighborhood network app new york access manager noting leased public access channels regularly carry sexually explicit programming new york commercial programs advertising allowed public access channels brief time warner cable amicus curiae indicating relevant abuses likely occurred leased channels see also cong statement fowler describing solicitation prostitution statement helms identifying newspaper headline referring mayor protest strip act recounting comments submitted fcc describing three complaints offensive programming letter mayor rancho palos verdes fcc record resolution san antonio city council fcc record examples necessarily indicate significant nationwide pattern see public access channels pose dangers order magnitude identified leased access channels local franchising authorities respond problems issuing rules procedures requirements commission report examples indecent programs public access channels see second report order fcc rcd see also comments boston community access programming foundation app noting fcc notice proposed rulemaking fcc rcd identify inappropriate programming actually exists public access channels moreover comments submitted fcc undermine suggestion prior significant problems indecent programming public access channels see agosta fcc record surveying public access systems new york two years finding two examples controversial programming settled producers access channel reply comments staten island community television fcc record access channels air since without single incident covered section new law reply comments waycross community television fcc record ndecent obscene programs never cablecast waycross community television entire ten year programming history reply comments cambridge community television app cambridge less one hour hours programming cctv run past five year may affected act ibid cctv feels simply problem needs fixed reply comments columbus community cable access app actv unaware actions taken cable operators local law authorizing prohibit legally obscene matter within last years reply comments cincinnati community video years access operations access programs cablecast single obscenity violation ever occurred comments defiance community television fcc record eight years operation never serious problem content programming channel found borderline examples people judgment may differ perhaps acceptable communities others type petitioners fear law might prohibit see aufderheide app brief petitioners describing depiction gynecological examination comments time warner entertainment app describing austin program included nude scenes movie indianapolis safe sex program difficult see borderline examples show compelling need nationally protect children significantly harmful materials compare cong statement helms justifying regulation leased access channels terms programming depicts bestiality rape absence factual basis substantiating harm efficacy proposed cure assume harm exists regulation redresses see turner slip op upshot respect public access channels law radically change present relationships among local community nonprofit supervising boards access managers relationships established municipal law regulation contract significantly restore editorial rights cable operators greatly increase risk certain categories programming say borderline offensive programs appear time given present supervisory mechanisms need particular provision aimed directly public access channels obvious carefully reviewed legislative history act proceedings fcc record submissions parties amici conclude government sustain burden showing section necessary protect children appropriately tailored secure end see columbia broadcasting league women voters sable consequently find third provision violates first amendment although act contains express severability clause find act severability intention structure purpose seems fairly obvious congress intended permissive leased access channels provision section stand irrespective section legal fate latter provision concerns public educational governmental channels presence little effect upon leased access channels hence absence respect channels make significant difference segregate block requirement invalidity make difference however effectiveness permissive leased access provision section together told cable system operator either ban patently offensive program segregate block without segregate block provision cable operators afforded broad discretion patently offensive program longer bear costs segregation blocking refuse ban programs cable operators may choose ban fewer programs nonetheless difference make two provisions unseverable without segregate block provision law simply treats leased channels respect patently offensive programming treats channels judging absence similar provisions context channels congress probably thought section standing alone effective though perhaps effective means pursuing objective moreover find reason light congress basic objective protection children congress preferred provisions permissive provision standing provision capable functioning still helps achieve basic objective consequently believe valid provision severable others vi ordered justice stevens concurring difference section section difference permit prohibition former restores freedom cable operators reject indecent programs latter requires local franchising authorities reject programs join opinion add comments emphasize difference two provisions endorse analysis part justice kennedy opinion even though think necessary characterize public access channels public fora like justice souter convinced unwise take categorical approach resolution novel first amendment questions arising industry dynamic cf paul stevens concurring judgment federal government established leased access requirements ensure certain programmers channels available section therefore best understood limitation amount speech federal government spared censorial control cable operator rather direct prohibition communication speech absence federal intervention flow freely agree however section established public forum unlike sidewalks parks federal government created leased access channels course legitimate regulation communications industry establish entirely open forum rather restricted access certain speakers namely unaffiliated programmers able lease air time facilitating certain speech cable operators otherwise carry leased access channels operate like rules considered turner broadcasting system fcc slip without reference public forum precedents federal government opens cable channels otherwise left entirely private hands deserves deference rigid application public forum doctrine allow early stage regulation developing industry congress put choice deciding whether open certain cable channels programmers otherwise lack resources participate marketplace ideas congress may legitimately limit access channels unaffiliated programmers believe may also limit within certain reasonable bounds extent access confers upon programmers government reasonable basis concluding already enough classical musical programs cartoons perhaps even enough political find first amendment objection open access requirement extended impartial basis particular subjects contrary conclusion first amendment values dissuading government creating access rights altogether course fact federal government may entitled deference regulating access cable programmers mean may evade first amendment constraints selectively choosing speech excepted private control government spared speech communicated republicans control cable operator example first amendment violation plain see cornelius naacp legal defense educational fund subtle limitations access also may prohibited first amendment see southeastern promotions conrad douglas dissenting part concurring result part even though often difficult determine whether given access restriction impermissibly singles certain ideas repression case find basis concluding section species viewpoint discrimination returning control indecent programming cable operator section treats indecent programming access channels differently indecent programming regular channels decision permit operator determine whether show indecent programming access channels therefore said reflect governmental bias indecent programming appears access channels particular argued indecent programming outlet leased access channels thus exclusion speech special protection designed prohibit communication altogether petitioners impliedly concede point contend indecency restrictions arbitrarily underinclusive affect similarly indecent programming appears regular criteria section identifies limiting access fully consistent government contention speech restrictions designed suppress certain form expression government dislikes ante kennedy concurring part dissenting part rather protect children sexually explicit programming pervasive medium cases concluded justification legitimate sable communications fcc fcc pacifica foundation reason conclude otherwise finally section assailed somewhat broader ground nevertheless reduces programming available adult population suitable children butler michigan ante kennedy concurring part dissenting part section serves ensure newly created access right require operators expose children unsuitable communications otherwise case thus far different purpose effect provision issue butler criminalized sale certain books butler michigan sum section constitutes reasonable viewpoint neutral limitation access right certain cable programmers accordingly affirm judgment appeals provision ii name reflects peg channels subject variety local governmental controls regulations federal result either prohibition requirement certain types programs carried ante opinion breyer presumably justice breyer explains local authorities seldom permit programming type described critical importance however left devices authorities may choose carry programming federal government decided restrict governments making choice inject federally authorized private censors forums might otherwise excluded therefore limit local forums might otherwise open constitutionally protected speech absence federal intervention might flow freely federal government therefore entitled leeway believe deserves enacts provisions section define limits federally created access rights see supra federal government entitlement restrict power local authority disseminate materials channels creation restrict power cable operators channels respect agree entirely justice kennedy save designation channels public fora say federal government may impose restrictions dissemination indecent materials cable television although indecent speech protected first amendment government may compelling interest protecting children indecent speech pervasive medium sable communications fcc fcc pacifica foundation government acts suppress directly dissemination speech however may rely solely speculation conjecture see sable communications fcc justice breyer persuasively demonstrates government made effort identify harm caused permitting local franchising authorities determine quantum indecent speech may aired communities ante government attempted determine whether intervention discretionary censorial authority private cable operator constitutes appropriately limited means addressing harm ibid given direct nature restriction speech justification accordingly agree judgment appeals respect section reversed justice souter concurring justice kennedy separate opinion stresses worthy point first amendment values generally categorizing speech protection according respective characters expression context restriction issue reviewing speech regulations fairly strict categorical rules keeps starch standards moments daily politics cries loudest limiting may said justice kennedy sees warrant case anything categorical approach applying fixed level scrutiny strictest judge provisions section accordingly faults plurality opinion declining decide precise doctrinal categories govern issue hand value categorical approach generally first amendment security prompts word explain join unwillingness announce definitive categorical analysis case neither speech limitation issue may categorized simply content prior case nearly point dealt flat restriction covering separate category indecency first amendment periphery less total ban directed instances indecent speech easily available children broadcasts readily received household difficult impossible control without immediate supervision see fcc pacifica foundation plurality opinion characteristic speech capacity offend social value vary circumstances surprising contextually complex category expressly assigned standard level scrutiny reviewing government limitation issue fact deal case cable transmission necessarily suggest simple category subject standard level scrutiny recognized point found cable television different broadcast respect factors justifying intrusive access requirements rule red lion see turner broadcasting system fcc slip finding red lion spectrum scarcity rationale application cable today plurality opinion rightly observes characteristics broadcast radio rendered indecency particularly threatening pacifica intrusion house accessibility children also present case cable television ante seem appropriate category cable indecency contextually detailed pacifica example settling upon definitive rule review complex category require subtle judgment even considered enough demand subtlety tantamount prescience relevant characteristics cable presently state technological regulatory flux recent legislation affects technical feasibility parental control children access undesirable material see telecommunications act section pub stat provision block sexually explicit violent programs portends fundamental changes competitive structure industry therefore ability individual entities act bottlenecks free flow information see title iii stat promoting competition cable services cable telephone companies begin competition control single wire carry services hardly settle rules review regulation assumption cable remain separable useful category first amendment scrutiny broadcast cable internet world wide web approach day using common receiver hardly assume standards judging regulation one immense unknown unknowable effects others accordingly charting course permit reasonable regulation light values competition accept likelihood media communication become less categorical protean confident purposes judging speech restrictions continue make sense distinguish cable technologies know changes regulated technologies enormously alter structure regulation shy saying final word today accepted reasonable tomorrow ignorance accept real possibility decide today first amendment mean cyberspace get fundamentally wrong lessig path cyberlaw yale upshot appreciating fluidity subject congress must regulate simply accept fact every nuance old standards necessarily new technology proper choice among existing doctrinal categories obvious rather definitively settling issue justice breyer wisely reasons direct analogy rather rule concluding speech restriction issue case may usefully measured ones issue pacifica means take time reaching final method review cases like one may consolation recalling years passed roth miller california modern obscenity rule jelled took years hague cio perry ed assn perry local educators public forum category settle round passed clear present danger schenck evolved modern incitement rule brandenburg ohio guess much time go technologies communication us today matured relationships become known category indecency defined reference new technology prospect durability job courts justice breyer today recognizing established first amendment interests close analysis constrains congress without wholly incapacitating matters significance apparent maintaining high value open communication measuring costs regulation exact attention fact compiling pedigree experience changing subject familiar judicial responsibilities times know little risk finality precision attention probably take us communications revolution maybe judicial obligation shoulder responsibilities captured much older rule familiar every doctor medicine first harm justice concurring part dissenting part agree section constitutional section unconstitutional join parts ii iii judgment part persuaded however asserted important differences section ante sufficient justify striking section find features shared section covers leased access channels section covers public access channels significant differences reason find section withstands constitutional scrutiny section serve important governmental interest compelling interest protecting children exposure indecent material see sable communications cal fcc ginsberg new york cable television like broadcast television medium uniquely accessible children see ante course children equally easy access public access channels leased access channels permitting cable operator prevent transmission patently offensive programming section interest protecting children furthermore provisions permissive neither presents outright ban category speech struck sable communications cal fcc supra sections leave cable operator decision whether broadcast indecent programming therefore less restrictive absolute governmental ban certainly section restrictive section regard also significant neither section restriction upheld fcc pacifica foundation agree justice breyer yet undertake fully adapt first amendment doctrine new context confront refrain precedent established pacifica offers important guide section less section within range acceptability set pacifica see ante distinctions upon relies deciding view constitutionally significant much emphasis placed differences origins leased access public access channels sure leased access channels covered section product federal government public access channels municipalities see ante persuaded difference origin access channels sufficient justify upholding section striking section interest protecting children remains whether leased access channel public access channel allowing cable operator option prohibiting transmission indecent speech seems constitutionally permissible means addressing interest fact public access programming may subject supervisory systems addition cable operator see ante sufficient mind render section goal compelling interest precedent hold section like section constitutional justice kennedy justice ginsburg joins concurring part concurring judgment part dissenting part plurality opinion insofar upholds section cable act adrift opinion treats concepts public forum broadcaster common carrier mere labels rather categories settled legal significance applies standard omission loses sight existing first amendment doctrine confronted threat free speech context emerging technology discipline analyze case reference existing elaborations constant first amendment principles essence approach ensuring protection speech first amendment even novel settings rather undertake task however plurality declares things considered section seems fine think implications past cases one clearer plurality suggests require us hold section invalid though join part iii opinion striking section act concur judgment remainder though two provisions differ significant respects common flaws instances congress singles one sort speech vulnerability private censorship context discrimination otherwise permitted plurality least recognizes state action ante avoiding mistake made appeals alliance community media fcc state action lies enactment statute altering legal relations persons including selective withdrawal one group legal protections private acts regardless whether private acts attributable state cf hunter erickson state action fourteenth amendment plurality balks taking next step however advise us standard applies determine whether state action conforms first amendment sections disadvantage nonobscene indecent programming protected category expression sable communications fcc basis content constitution general tolerate restriction discrimination speech paul regulations presumptively invalid carey brown police dept chicago mosley realm speech expression first amendment envisions citizen shaping government reverse removes governmental restraints arena public discussion putting decision views shall voiced largely hands us hope use freedom ultimately produce capable citizenry perfect polity cohen california ach person decide ideas beliefs deserving expression consideration adherence political system cultural life rest upon ideal turner broadcasting system fcc slip therefore given exacting scrutiny regulations suppress disadvantage impose differential burdens upon speech content slip sections unusual require direct action speech authorize cable operator deny use property certain forms speech general matter private person may exclude certain speakers property without violating first amendment hudgens nlrb section affirmations principle might unremarkable access channels however property cable operator dedicated otherwise reserved programming speakers government public access channel public forum laws requiring leased access channels create common carrier obligations government identifies certain speech basis content vulnerable exclusion common carrier public forum strict scrutiny applies laws survive exacting review however compelling congress interest shielding children indecent programming provisions case drawn enough care withstand scrutiny precedents ii plurality begins flight standards number assertions nobody disputes agree course unwise declare rigid single standard good future media purposes ante think necessary however decide standard applies discrimination indecent programming cable access channels present state industry owe least much public leased access programmers whose speech put risk nationwide laws similar vein admonished case complicated simple importance contextual review told evaded recourse simple analogies ante true use standard foreclose consideration context indeed strict scrutiny instance judicial formulae rigid become straitjacket disables government responding serious problems ante grave indictment first amendment jurisprudence relies strict scrutiny number settings context important expressed misgivings judicial balancing first amendment see burson freeman concurring opinion simon schuster members state crime victims opinion concurring judgment strict scrutiny least confines balancing process manner protective speech disable government addressing serious problems ensure solutions sacrifice speech greater extent necessary plurality claims resistance standards keeping case law shown willingness flexible confronting novel first amendment problems cases cites ante however demonstrate opposite plurality supposes developed specialized less stringent standards certain contexts demanded avoid use standards altogether indeed creation standards adherence even means affording protection speech unpopular distasteful central achievement first amendment jurisprudence standards means state advance test law validity rather letting height bar determined apparent exigencies day also provide notice fair warning must predict courts respond attempts suppress speech yet formulations like strict scrutiny used number constitutional settings ensure inequities moment subordinated commitments made long run see simon schuster supra perry ed assn perry local educators mean little watered whenever seem strong mean still less ignored altogether considering case fours seen plurality seems distracted many changes technology competition cable industry see ante ante souter concurring laws challenged however retool structure cable industry exception section involve intricate technologies straightforward issue whether government deprive certain speakers basis content speech protections afforded others reason discard existing first amendment jurisprudence answering question protests standards plurality seem favor one formulation question case namely whether act properly addresses extremely important problem without imposing light relevant interests unnecessarily great restriction speech ante though plurality frowns effort settle form words likes formulation well enough repeat see ante description question accomplishes little save clutter first amendment case law adding untested rule uncertain relationship others use evaluate laws restricting speech plurality bring apply strict scrutiny yet realizes decide case without uttering sort standard settled synonyms lose judicial scrutiny ante substituted strict scrutiny extremely important problem ante extraordinary proble ante substituted compelling interest admonition restriction unnecessarily great light interest serves ante substituted usual narrow tailoring requirements know substitutes inferior antecedents told act must appropriately tailored ante sufficiently tailored ante carefully appropriately addressed ante problems evidently except narrowly tailored restatements unfortunate consequences first make principles intended protect speech easy manipulate words end legalistic cover ad hoc balancing interests respect plurality succeeds avoiding use standard second plurality exercise pushing around synonyms words usual standards sow confusion courts bound precedents courts lawyers communications field discern difference formulation plurality applies today usual strict scrutiny offer little guidance except note unprotective outcome plurality reaches comparisons analogies areas first amendment case law become responsibility rather luxury plurality considers comparisons provide discipline guidance others give clear content things find missing plurality opinion novelty complexity case reason look help areas first amendment jurisprudence license wander uncharted areas law compass opinions good policy another troubling aspect plurality approach suggestion congress leeway usual enact restrictions speech emerging technologies concerned unsure standard used assess justice souter recommends precept first harm ante question though whether harm sustaining law striking plurality concerned technology direction begin allowing speech suppressing us urgent claim relief discrimination dry run turn issues presented explain strict scrutiny warranted iii peg access channels grew local initiatives late early federal government began regulating cable television mueller local franchising first form cable regulation arising need localities control access public easements minimize disruption traffic public activity laying cable lines see brenner price meyerson cable television nonbroadcast video section hereinafter brenner turner broadcasting supra slip cable medium may depend existence upon express permission local governing authorities local government set franchise authority oversee cable system negotiate franchise agreement specifying cable operator rights obligations see brenner section section discussing local franchising displaced state regulation cf section defining franchise authority franchise mandatory federal law except systems operating without prior section authorization akin license franchise authority permitting construction operation cable system section early onward franchise authorities began requiring operators set aside access channels condition franchise see mueller agosta rogoff norman participate report case study public access cable television new york state hereinafter agosta attached exhibit joint comments alliance community media et filed fcc mm docket fcc entered arena requiring cable companies servicing country largest television markets set aside four access channels one public educational governmental leased programming date certain add channel capacity necessary meet requirement cable television report order see also amendment part commission rules regulations concerning cable television channel capacity access channel requirements section modifying rules struck access rules beyond fcc authority communications act fcc midwest video congress turned attention peg access channels recognized reasonable access cable systems mean wide diversity information sources fundamental goal first need regulate content programming provided cable declined however set new federal mandates authorize fcc since lmost recent franchise agreements provide access local governments schools nonprofit community groups channels act instead continue policy allowing cities specify cable franchises channel capacity facilities devoted use ibid section communications act added cable communications policy act act authorized local franchise authorities require cable operators set aside channel capacity peg access seeking new franchises renewal old ones section franchise authorities may enforce franchise agreements section lack power impose requirements beyond authorized federal law section cf section grandfathering valid franchise agreements remainder term federal law also allows franchise authority require adequate assurance cable operator provide adequate public educational governmental access channel capacity facilities financial support section prior passage section act cable operator save implementing provisions franchise agreement limiting obscene otherwise constitutionally unprotected cable programming section forbidden editorial control peg access channels section congress act since defined public educational governmental access means placed substantive limits types programming channels tasks left franchise agreements long channels comport sense industry practice congress referred statute principal concern public access channels peg channels open programming members public petitioners include public access programmers viewers watch shows contrast educational governmental access channels peg serve speakers many franchises educational channels controlled local school systems use provide school information educational programs governmental access channels committed cable franchise local municipal government uses distribute information constituents public affairs mueller local governmental entity school system petitioned relief case none petitioners viewers asserted interest viewing educational governmental programming briefed relevant issues public access channels meet definition public forum recognized two kinds public forums first familiar traditional public forums like streets sidewalks parks custom long open public assembly discourse perry hague cio opinion roberts second category public property designated public forum whether limited unlimited state opened expressive activity part public international soc krishna consciousness lee public access channels fall second category required franchise authority condition franchise open comers designated public forum unlimited character house report cable act consistent view characterized public access channels video equivalent speaker soapbox electronic parallel printed leaflet provide groups individuals generally access electronic media opportunity become sources information electronic marketplace ideas public forums physical gathering places rosenberger rector visitors univ slip limited property owned government cornelius naacp legal defense ed fund indeed majority jurisdictions title traditional public forums streets sidewalks remains private hands mcquillin law municipal corporations section ed hague cio supra wherever title streets parks may rest immemorially held trust use public time mind used purposes assembly communicating thoughts citizens discussing public questions public access channels analogous public forums even though operate property cable operator holds title important understand public access channels public forums created local state governments cable franchise section section appeals thought return rightful first amendment discretion cable operator see alliance community media cable operators first amendment rights course restrictions entry cable business may challenged first amendment los angeles preferred communications cable operator activities originating programs exercising editorial discretion programs others provide system also protected turner broadcasting slip cf slip distinguishing discretion cable operators newspaper editors yet editorial discretion cable operator function cable franchise receives local government operator right exercise editorial discretion cable service disappears franchise terminated see section cable service may offered without franchise section prescribing procedures standards renewal cf brenner section franchise terms years norm section typical franchise agreements recognize absolute right franchisor refuse renewal expiration term franchise transferred another right editorial discretion cable operator may cables transmitting signal agreement cable operator local allocates channels full discretion cable operator reserving others public access providing public access channels franchise agreements cable operators therefore exercising first amendment rights serve conduits speech others cf pruneyard shopping center robins section channels cable operator discretion never existed vests cable operator power federal law defined reference content speech override franchise agreement undercut public forum agreement creates enacting law excluding indecent programming protection retaining prohibition cable operators editorial control protected speech federal government time ratified character public access channels discriminated certain speech based content plurality refuses analyze public access channels public forums reluctant decide extent private property designated public forum ante need decide broad issue whether private property declared public forum simple governmental decree happens creation public access channels rather return granting cable operators easements use public cable lines local governments bargained right use cable lines public access channels justice thomas resists analysis sees evidence formal easement post general principles property law particular formalities necessary create easement easements may created contract thompson commentaries modern law real property section tiffany law real property section ed franchise agreement contract agreements cable operator surrenders power exclude certain programmers use property specific purposes state confronted issue likely hold franchise agreement create right access equivalent easement land one even view case local government dedication property interest speech members public event seems clear local government contracts use private property public expressive activity creates public forum treating access channels public forums place label plurality suggests see ante defines first amendment rights speakers seeking use channels property dedicated public expressive activities tradition government designation access protected first amendment regulations speech content designated public forum whether limited unlimited character subject highest scrutiny survive narrowly drawn achieve compelling state interest lee unless reasons applying lesser standard section must satisfy stringent review congress created leased access channels cable act section act amended requires cable system channels set aside certain percentage channels depending size system commercial use persons unaffiliated operator section commercial use means provision video programming whether profit section unaffiliated programmer seeks access cable operator shall set price terms conditions use least sufficient assure use adversely affect operation financial condition market development cable system section cf cfr section rules governing terms conditions leased access price may exceed maximum charged unaffiliated programmer program category use channels section aggrieved programmers recourse federal district fcc repeated violations compel access appropriate terms section cable operators forbidden editorial control video programming leased access channels consider content programming except set price section prohibiting programs obscene otherwise unprotected constitution leased access channels section act modifies rule allowing cable operators reject pursuant written published policy programs reasonably believe indecent section section act indecent programming must segregated onto one channel blocked unless subscriber requests channel provided section cfr section two distinctions public leased access channels important first whereas public access channels required state local franchise authorities subject certain federal limitations leased access channels created federal law second whereas cable operators never editorial discretion public access channels franchise agreements leased access provisions act take away channels operator controlled cf midwest video federal mandates compelling cable operators indiscriminately accept access programming interfere determinations regarding total service offering extended subscribers sense section gives back operator discretion congress imposed leased access requirements first place constitutionality turner broadcasting slip requiring cable operator set aside leased access channels us purposes case treat cable operator rights channels extinguished address issue petitioners present namely whether government discriminate basis content affording protection certain programmers agree justice thomas post cable operator rights inform analysis laws requiring cable operators provide leased access practical equivalent making common carriers analogous respect telephone companies obliged provide conduit speech others plurality resists classification leased access channels created act common carrier provision ante although described terms access including leased access rules promulgated fcc access rules plainly impose obligations cable operators rules cable systems required hold dedicated channels nondiscriminatory basis operators prohibited determining influencing content access programming rules delimit operators may charge access use equipment midwest video supra citations footnotes omitted section authorizes cable operators ban indecent programming leased access channels held law precluding common carrier transmitting protected speech subject strict scrutiny sable communications striking ban indecent telephonic communications occasion consider standard reviewing law section permitting carrier discretion exclude specified speech laws removing protection single form speech based content reviewed standard restrictions speech public forum making cable operator common carrier create public forum sense taking property private control dedicating public use rather regulations common carrier dictate manner private control exercised mandate nonetheless serves function public forum ensures open nondiscriminatory access means communication purpose evident statute committee findings supporting congress described leased access requirements intended promote competition delivery diverse sources video programming assure widest possible diversity information sources made available public cable systems manner consistent growth development cable systems section house committee reporting cable bill acknowledged general market demand prompt cable operators provide diverse programming recognized though incentives cable operators might exclude programming represents social political viewpoint cable operator wish disseminate competes program service already provided cable system view leased access provisions narrowly drawn structural regulations private industry cf associated press enhance free flow diversity information available public without governmental intrusion decisions program content supra functional equivalence designating public forum mandating common carriage suggests scrutiny applied attempts either setting impose content discrimination law precedents scrutiny strict constitution forbids state enforce certain exclusions forum generally open public even required create forum first place widmar vincent university meeting facilities city madison joint school district wisconsin employment relations school board meeting southeastern promotions conrad municipal theater although state required indefinitely retain open character facility long bound standards apply traditional public forum reasonable time place manner regulations permissible prohibition must narrowly drawn effectuate compelling state interest perry forum opened assembly speaking groups government may prohibit others assembling speaking basis intend say selective exclusions public forum may based content alone may justified reference content alone ibid plurality acknowledges exclusions right use common carrier violate first amendment tells us however wary analogies doctrines developed elsewhere address issue ante newfound aversion analogical reasoning strikes process basic legal analysis see levi introduction legal reasoning suggesting plurality look far afield areas law settled first amendment doctrines dealing state action depriving certain speakers protections afforded others events plurality unwillingness consider precedents relieve burden explaining strict scrutiny apply except instances involving categories proscribable speech see strict scrutiny baseline rule reviewing discrimination speech purpose forum analysis determine whether property medium speech takes place dispensation rule see consolidated edison public service context government property recognized exception government acting proprietor managing internal operations rather acting lawmaker power regulate license circumstances said regulations speech need reasonable lee course government dedicated cable operator property leased access serve proprietary function done provide forum vital class programmers otherwise excluded cable television question remains whether dispensation strict scrutiny might appropriate section restores part editorial discretion exercised cable operator speech occurring property doctrine gives guidance requirements leased access little different function designated public forums different standard review apply functional equivalence leased access channels designated public forums compels strict scrutiny rather simply militates recognizing exception normal rule perhaps plurality suggests ante section treated limitation forum rather exclusion change analysis however government freer hand draw distinctions limiting forum excluding someone first amendment dead letter designated public forums every exclusion recast limitation see post governance management history theory public forum ucla rev allowed limitations public forums necessary serve specific institutional ends see perry school mailboxes considered designated public forums limited mailings organizations engage activities interest educational relevance students widmar vincent recognizing public university limit use facilities reasonable regulations compatible mission education madison joint school district wisconsin employment relations assessing teacher right speak school board meeting considering obvious public bodies may confine meetings specified subject matter power limit redefine forums specific legitimate purpose see rosenberger slip allow government exclude certain speech speakers reason madison joint school district supra illustrates point wisconsin employment relations commission ordered school board prohibit school employees union representatives speaking meetings matters subject collective bargaining board union recognizing power state limit school board meetings certain subject matter held confine forum one category interested individuals exclusion skew debate deprive decisionmakers benefit voices answer say congress create access channels may limit access pleases whether government obligation make railroads common carriers equal protection clause define common carriage ways discriminate suspect classes see bailey patterson per curiam may require railroads segregate races reason even congress obligation impose common carriage rules cable operators retain forever liberty exclude certain forms speech protection suspect basis content see perry supra foreclose possibility government create forum limited certain topics serving special needs certain speakers audiences without actions subject strict scrutiny possibility seems trouble plurality wonders local government must show compelling state interest builds band shell park dedicates solely classical music jazz ante correct analogy case akin government creation band shell types music might performed except rap music provisions discriminations strong sense suppressing certain form expression government dislikes otherwise wishes exclude account effects justification anything strict scrutiny giving government free rein exclude speech dislikes delimiting public forums common carriage provisions pernicious effects modern age minds changed streets parks increasing degree significant interchanges ideas shaping public consciousness occur mass electronic media cf kokinda kennedy concurring judgment extent public entitlement participate means communication may changed technologies change expanding entitlements government greater right discriminate suspect grounds effects ban speech backdrop entitlements accustomed contravenes first amendment give government general license single categories speech lesser protection long stops short viewpoint discrimination pacifica purport however apply special standard indecent broadcasting emphasizing narrowness holding pacifica conducted analysis fcc restriction indecent programming daytime hours see see also sable communications underscoring narrowness pacifica relied general rule broadcasting received limited first amendment protection already rejected application lower broadcast standard review infringements liberties cable operators even though control important communications medium turner broadcasting slip even less cause lower standard pacifica identify two important considerations relevant broadcast objectionable material first indecent broadcasting confronts citizen public also privacy home individual right left alone plainly outweighs first amendment rights intruder second broadcasting uniquely accessible children even young read pacifica teaches access channels even analogous ordinary public forums standpoint programmer must also considered standpoint viewer access channel forum confined discrete public space bring indecent expression home every cable subscriber children spend astounding amounts time watching television cf ante citing studies though cohen explained people public areas may avert eyes messages offend acknowledged government may properly act many situations prohibit intrusion privacy home unwelcome views ideas totally banned public dialogue ibid see hess indiana per curiam rowan post office true interests children stake see householder risk offensive material come hands children stopped concerns weighty relevant whether law passes strict scrutiny justify however blanket rule lesser protection indecent speech categories expression proscribed see reluctant mark new categories speech diminished constitutional protection hesitancy reflects skepticism possibility courts drawing principled distinctions use judging governmental restrictions speech ideas cohen supra concern heightened inextricability indecency expression indulge facile assumption one forbid particular words without also running substantial risk suppressing ideas process true forbidding programs indecent respect artistic political settings indecency may strong communicative content protesting conventional norms giving edge work conveying otherwise inexpressible emotions ibid scientific programs graphic depiction even point offensiveness accurate comprehensive portrayal truth may indecency often inseparable ideas viewpoints conveyed separable loss truth expressive power traditional first amendment jurisprudence factors perhaps justifying restriction indecent cable programming may taken account without derogating category protected speech marginal iv government compelling interest restoring cable operator first amendment right editorial discretion franchises operators rights editorial discretion peg access channels first place section governmental interest restoring operator discretion indecent programming leased access channels minimal justify law first transmission indecent programming leased access channels forced speech operator turner broadcasting supra slip pruneyard second discretion conferred law slight operator authorized place programs liking leased access channels remove speech racist violent example might offensive viewers operator given veto one kind lawful speech congress disdains congress however compelling interest protecting children indecent speech sable communications ginsberg new york see also pacifica long society gives proper respect parental choices may appropriate standard intervene spare children exposure material suitable minors interest substantial enough justify regulation indecent speech even assume indecency standard used sections nonetheless narrowly tailored protect children indecent programs access channels first extent operators may allow indecent programming children localities operators serve left unprotected partial service compelling interest narrow tailoring fcc league women voters asserted interest keeping noncommercial stations free controversial partisan opinions served ban station editorials opinions aired programming florida star selective ban publication rape victim name media others narrowly tailored cf bolger youngs drug products restriction provides limited incremental support interest asserted pass muster standards put another way interest protecting children indecency caprice cable operator compelling perhaps congress drafted law way avoid clear constitutional difficulties banning indecent speech access channels first amendment permit sort ill fit law restricting speech interest said serve second extent cable operators prohibit indecent programming access channels children adults deprived government may reduce adult population viewing fit children butler michigan matters indecent programming might available operator channels government legitimate interest making access channels pristine requirement similar section without constitutional infirmity requiring persons place list receive programming see ante protects children far less intrusion liberties programmers adult viewers allowing cable operators ban indecent programming access channels altogether applying strict scrutiny assume plausible alternatives fail protect compelling interests must basis record legislative findings otherwise establishing law enacted least restrictive means sable communications supra cf turner broadcasting slip none sections present classic case discrimination speech based content legitimate reasons government might wish regulate even restrict speech issue section drawn address reasons precision first amendment requires plurality declares section unconstitutional interferes local supervisory systems set programming policy approve disapprove particular programming services ante replacing local schemes cable operator veto plurality view greatly increase risk certain categories programming say borderline offensive programs appear ante although plurality terms local schemes programming control systems ante contend record suggest local board access center authority exclude indecent programming anything cast doubt status public access channels public forums cf agosta new york state law forbids editorial control public access programs either cable operator municipality comments hillsborough county board county commissioners fcc record explaining county inability exclude indecent programming indeed ost access centers surveyed prescreen except two named localities high speed technical quality aufderheide public access cable programming controversial speech free expression reprinted app plurality acknowledges record indicates response indecent programming local access centers whether prescreen requiring indemnification programmers certification compliance local standards time segregation adult content advisories ante measures challenged likely survive strict scrutiny narrowly tailored safeguard children measures words plurality normally avoid minimize eliminate problems concerning patently offensive programming public access channels ante one left wonder cable operator veto leased access programming authorized section constitutional even plurality first amendment analysis although concur judgment section invalid agree plurality reasoning regard section plurality analysis undermines claims faithfulness first amendment jurisprudence close attention context first plurality places weight nothing stop adults feel need finding indecent programming elsewhere say tape theaters competitive services like direct broadcast television ante availability alternative channels communication may relevant assessing time place manner restrictions ward rock racism fact speech occur elsewhere justify restriction southeastern promotions schneider state town irvington second plurality suggests permissive nature section least create risk exclusion total ban indecency ante obvious possibility government imposed draconian limitations speech never justified lesser abridgment indeed argument almost always available first amendment cases involve outright bans speech see forsyth county nationalist movement broad discretion county administrator award parade permits adjust permit fee according content speech violates first amendment bantam books sullivan informal threats recommend criminal prosecutions pressure tactics state morality commission book publishers violate first amendment third based factual speculations plurality discounts risks created law operators run indecent programming access channels plurality takes glance programming cable operators allow channels espying indecent programming supposes cable operators may willing allow similar programs leased access channels ante sort surmise giving government benefit doubt restricts speech unusual approach first amendment put mildly worse ignores evidence industry structure cast doubt plurality sanguine view probable fate programming considered indecent section plurality fails note aside indecency provisions section tacked senate floor amendment act strengthened regulation leased access channels feared cable operators exercise substantial market power exclude disfavored programmers congressional findings statute conclusions senate committee commerce science transportation two years hearings cable market see pp instructive leased access channels underused since inception senate committee determined though recognized adverse economics leased access programmers may one reason underutilization committee found obstinacy cable operators control prices terms conditions also blame cable operator almost certain interests clash programmer seeking use leased access channels interests similar operator willing carry programmer regular cable channels operator thus already decided number reasons carry programmer example operator may believe programmer might compete programming operator owns controls permit operator establish leased access rate thus makes little sense ibid even less reason think cable operators choose show indecent programs public access channels operator paid paid much transmitting programs channels public access programs may compete operator programs operator wish avoid unwanted controversy leased access channels operator may reclaim unused peg capacity paid use section act congress recognized cable operators might want exclude unaffiliated otherwise disfavored programmers channels granted operators discretion regard single category speech obvious consequence invited discretion exclusion sure plurality suppose otherwise contend practical consequences section worse programmers flowing sort requirement approved pacifica see ante despite claim making contextual assessment case ante plurality ignores key difference case pacifica broadcaster wanted air speech question cable operator safe harbor programming permitted fcc pacifica likely promote speech whereas suppression follow section vi justice thomas joined chief justice justice scalia concurring judgment part dissenting part agree plurality conclusion section constitutionally permissible disagree conclusion failed articulate extent first amendment protects cable operators programmers viewers state federal regulation think time go along plurality assiduous attempts avoid addressing issue openly contrast permitted level government interference context print media miami herald publishing tornillo instance invalidated florida statute required newspapers allow free charge right reply political candidates whose personal professional character paper assailed rejected claim statute constitutional fostered speech rather restricted well related claim newspaper permissibly made serve public forum also flatly rejected argument newspaper alleged media monopoly justify forcing paper speak contravention editorial discretion first amendment distinctions media dubious infancy placed cable doctrinal wasteland regulators cable operators alike sure whether cable entitled substantial first amendment protections afforded print media subject onerous obligations shouldered broadcast media see los angeles preferred communications blackmun concurring assessing first amendment claims concerning cable access must determine whether characteristics cable television make sufficiently analogous another medium warrant application already existing standard whether characteristics require new analysis time however drawn closer recognizing cable operators enjoy first amendment rights nonbroadcast media first ventures world cable regulation involved claims arising first amendment addressed fcc regulatory authority cable operators later cases begin address level first amendment protection applicable cable operators preferred communications instance cable operator challenged city los angeles auction process single cable franchise held cable operator stated first amendment claim upon relief granted noted cable operators communicate various topics original programming exercising editorial discretion stations programs include repertoire cf fcc midwest video midwest video ii cable operators share broadcasters significant amount editorial discretion regarding programming include likened operators first amendment interests broadcasters subject red lion right access requirement five years later leathers medlock dropped reference relaxed scrutiny permitted red lion arkansas subjected cable operators state general sales tax continuing exempt newspapers magazines scrambled satellite broadcast television cable operators among others challenged tax first amendment grounds arguing state discriminatorily apply tax members press though ultimately upheld tax scheme agreed operators enjoyed protection first amendment found cable operators engage speech providing news information entertainment subscribers part press two terms ago turner broadcasting system fcc stated expressly implied leathers red lion standard apply cable television slip rationale applying less rigorous standard first amendment scrutiny broadcast regulation apply context cable regulation slip pplication relaxed standard scrutiny adopted red lion broadcast cases inapt determining first amendment validity cable regulation members disagreed whether rules imposed congress therefore subject strict scrutiny agreement cable operators generally entitled much first amendment protection print media see slip stevens concurring part concurring judgment cable operators control essential facilities provides basis intrusive regulation inappropriate perhaps impermissible communicative media turner adopting much print paradigm rejecting red lion adopted considerable body precedent governs respective first amendment rights competing speakers red lion legitimized consideration public interest emphasized rights viewers least abstract view right viewers listeners right broadcasters paramount turner however view longer given credence cable context operator right preeminent tornillo pacific gas electric public utilities applicable think see turner supra slip concurring part dissenting part conflict programmer asserted right transmit operator cable system must give way operator editorial discretion drawing analogy print media example author book protected writing book right book sold particular book store without store owner consent government force editor collection essays print essays subject turner found fcc rules implicated first amendment rights cable operators cable programmers rules interfered operators editorial discretion forcing carry broadcast programming might otherwise carry interfered programmers ability compete space operators channels slip slip concurring part dissenting part implicitly recognized turner programmer right compete channel space derivative subordinate operator editorial discretion like writer seeking paper publish newspaper editorials programmer protected searching outlet cable programming first amendment right programming transmitted cf miami herald publishing tornillo likewise rights viewers derivative speech rights operators programmers cf virginia bd pharmacy virginia citizens consumer council freedom speech presupposes willing speaker speaker exists protection afforded communication source recipients viewers general right see willing operator transmits tornillo pacific gas certainly right force unwilling operator speak recognizing general primacy cable operator editorial rights rights programmers viewers turner raises serious questions merits petitioners claims none petitioners cases cable operators cable viewers access programmers representative organizations see brief petitioners pp brief petitioners new york citizens committee responsible media et brief petitioners alliance community media et intuitively obvious first amendment protects interests petitioners assert neither petitioners plurality adequately explained source justification asserted rights justice breyer detailed explanation believes unwise unnecessary ante choose standard measure petitioners first amendment claims largely disregards recent attempt turner define standard attempt distinguish turner ground involve effects television viewing children ante meaningless factual distinction bearing existence ordering free speech rights asserted cases process deciding decide governing standard justice breyer purports discover cases expansive general principle permitting government directly regulate speech address extraordinary problems regulations appropriately tailored resolve problems without imposing unnecessarily great restriction speech ante heretofore unknown standard facially subjective openly invites balancing asserted speech interests degree ordinarily permitted true standard endorse lacks flexibility inherent plurality balancing approach ante relative rigidity required precedents making event even plurality balancing test appropriate standard applied protect speech interests circumstances protected first amendment shifting focus balancing complex interests ante justice breyer never explains whether programmer ordinarily unprotected interest affirmative transmission programming acquires constitutional significance leased public access channels see ante interests programmers maintaining access channels ante interests served access requirements question left unanswered plurality turn ii since federal law also permitted local franchise authorities require cable operators set aside certain channels public educational governmental use peg channels section unlike leased access provisions directly required operators leased access congress generally prohibited cable operators exercising editorial control public access channels provided operators prohibit transmission obscene programming section see section section act broadened operators editorial control instructed fcc promulgate regulations enabling cable operator ban public access channels programming contains obscene material sexually explicit conduct material soliciting promoting unlawful conduct note following section fcc subsequently promulgated regulations second report order fcc rcd fcc interpreted congress reference sexually explicit conduct mean programming must indecent regulations therefore permit cable operators ban indecent programming public access channels read provisions provide leased public access programmers expansive federally enforced statutory right transmit virtually programming access channels limited bounds decency doubt true programmers given rightly wrongly ability speak access channels first amendment continues protect programmers certain government intrusions certainly current jurisprudence congress impose total ban transmission indecent programming see sable communications fcc striking total ban indecent messages time however recognized entitled full constitutional protection statutorily created speech rights directly conflict constitutionally protected private speech rights another person entity found first amendment violation statutory schemes substantially expand speech opportunities person entity challenging scheme getting around fact leased public access type forced speech though constitutionality leased public access channels directly issue cases position adopted turner ineluctably leads conclusion federal access requirements subject form heightened scrutiny see turner slip citing ward rock racism view governmental impositions operator editorial discretion may sustained important governmental interest unrelated suppression free speech greater essential asserted interest see course analysis joined turner required strict scrutiny slip concurring part dissenting part petitioners must concede cable access constitutionally required entitlement right claim leased public access definition governmentally created expense cable operators editorial discretion apparently accepted proposition constitution permits degree forced speech cable context mean beneficiaries forced speech program enjoy additional first amendment protections beyond normally afforded purely private speakers said realm private speech expression government regulation may favor one speaker another rosenberger rector visitors univ slip principle hardly supports petitioners claims anything leased public access requirements favor access programmers cable operators see section independent restrictions programmers intricate parts leased public access restrictions imposed congress state local governments cable operators question petitioners pose whether section turner strongly suggests proper question whether leased public access requirements section improper restrictions operators free speech rights view constitutional presumption properly runs favor operators editorial discretion discretion may burdened without compelling reason petitioners view constitutional presumption favors asserted right speak access channels directly contrary turner established precedents one thing compel operator carry leased public access speech apparent violation tornillo another thing altogether say first amendment forbids congress give back part operators editorial discretion recognize fundamentally protected favor broader access right answer say leased public access content neutral section change fundamental fact petitioners never address operators journalistic freedom infringed whether challenged restrictions content neutral content based access provisions part scheme restricts free speech rights cable operators expands speaking opportunities access programmers underlying constitutional right speak cable medium believe access programmers challenge scheme particular part abridgment freedom speech outside public forum doctrine discussed infra government intervention grants access programmers opportunity speak otherwise directly limit programmers underlying speech abridgement programmers first amendment rights even new speaking opportunity permissive nature section important regard congress forbidden cable operators carry indecent programming leased public access channels law burdened programmer right recognized turner supra slip compete space operator system undoubtedly strictly scrutinize law see sable section burden programmer right seek access indecent programming operator system rather merely restore part editorial discretion operator absent government regulation without burdening programmer underlying speech rights first amendment challenge one made must come party whose constitutionally protected freedom speech burdened viewing federal access requirements whole cable operator access programmer whose speech rights infringed consequently operator programmer whose speech arguably infringed provisions congress passed law forcing bookstores sell books published subject congressional politics undoubtedly entertain claim bookstores law violated first amendment principles established tornillo pacific gas doubt similarly find merit claim publishers gardening books law violated first amendment rights petitioners cases reasonably assert strictly scrutinize provisions issue way maximizes ability speak leased public access channels necessity minimizes operators discretion nothing common carrier status per se constitutionalizes asserted interests petitioners cases justice kennedy provides authority assertion common carrier regulations reviewed standard restrictions speech public forum ante whether viewed creation common carrier scheme simply regulatory restriction cable operators editorial discretion net effect operators speech rights restricted make room access programmers consequently fact leased access provisions impose form common carrier obligation cable operators alter view congress leased access scheme burdens constitutionally protected speech rights cable operators order expand speaking opportunities access programmers independently burden first amendment rights programmers viewers said government may designate public property use public place expressive activity designated property becomes public forum petitioners argue local government exactly requiring condition franchise approval cable operator set aside public access channel free use general public nondiscriminatory basis brief petitioners alliance community media et disagree cable systems public property cable systems privately owned privately managed petitioners point case held government may designate private property public forum public forum doctrine rule governing claims right access public property perry ed supra never thought extend beyond property generally understood belong government see international soc krishna consciousness lee evidence expressive activity rail stations bus stations wharves ellis island irrelevant public fora analysis sites bus rail terminals traditionally private ownership emphasis original see also public forum government public property perry ed supra designated public forum consists public property petitioners point dictum cornelius naacp legal defense educ fund public forum may consist private property dedicated public use statement applicability statement properly refers common practice formally dedicating land streets parks subdividing real estate developments see antieau antieau antieau local government law section mcquillin law municipal corporations section ed dedications may may transfer title least create enforceable public easements dedicated land antieau supra section mcquillin supra section extent easements create property interest underlying land property interest may designated public forum may true petitioners argue title dispositive public forum analysis nature regulatory restrictions placed cable operators local franchising authorities consistent kinds governmental property interests said may formally dedicated public fora public forum cases involved property government held least formal easement property interest permitting government treat property designating property public forum see hague cio streets parks police dept chicago mosley sidewalks adjoining public school southeastern promotions conrad theater lease city carey brown sidewalks front private residence widmar vincent university facilities opened student activities simply true cases pursuant federal state law franchising authorities require cable operators create public access channels nothing record suggests local franchising authorities take formal easement property interest channels permit government designate property public forum similarly assertion government control private property justify designation property public forum expressly stated neither government ownership government control guarantee public access property see cornelius supra postal service council greenburgh civic government control property private property taken cognizable property interest like theater southeastern promotions consistent designation public forum never even hinted regulatory control particularly direct regulatory control private entity first amendment speech rights justify creation public forum properly construed cases limited government ability declare public forum property government owns outright government holds significant property interest consistent communicative purpose forum designated convinced formal transfer property interest public access channels suffice permit local franchising authority designate channels public forum public forum recognized private entity owner obligation permit another speak actually help produce transmit message person behalf cable operators regularly retain level managerial operational control public access channels subject requirements federal state local law franchise agreement traditional public fora government shoulders burden administering enforcing openness expressive forum frequently private citizen operator shoulders burden public access channels instance often operator must accept schedule access programmer request time channel many places operator actually obligated provide production facilities production assistance persons seeking produce access programming moreover unlike park picketer access programmer transmit message instead operator must transmit speak access programmer message speech may considered operator driven home section authorizes fine two years imprisonment person transmits cable system matter obscene see also section making operators immune public access programming except obscene thus even inclined view public access channels public property numerous additional obligations imposed cable operator managing operating public access channels convince channels share basic characteristics public forum already indicated public access requirements view regulatory restriction exercise cable operators editorial discretion transfer sufficient property interest channels support designation property public forum public access channels public fora therefore petitioners attempt redistribute cable speech rights favor must fail reason reasons articulated earlier sustain section section iii unlike section section clearly implicates petitioners free speech rights though section means bans indecent speech clearly places restrictions transmission private speech requiring cable operators block segregate indecent programming operator agreed carry consequently section must subjected strict scrutiny upheld furthers compelling governmental interest least restrictive means available see sable parties agree congress compelling interest protecting physical psychological minors interest extends shielding minors influence indecent speech obscene adult standards ibid see ginsberg new york persons th primary responsibility children entitled support laws designed aid discharge responsibility section narrowly tailored achieve compelling interest uphold therefore dissent decision contrary precedents establish government may support parental authority direct moral upbringing children imposing blocking requirement default position example ginsberg upheld state ability prohibit sale indecent literature minors pointed state simply imposed default choice noting prohibition sales minors bar parents desire purchasing magazines children likewise sable set aside complete ban indecent messages part fcc previously imposed certain default rules intended prevent access minors evidence rules ineffective strikes section pointing alternatives lockboxes says less restrictive segregation blocking though methods attempt place parents hands ability permit children watch little much indecent programming parents think proper effectively support parents authority direct moral upbringing children see first report order fcc rcd fcc recognized programming comes wide variety independent sources single editor controlling selection presentation thus indecent programming leased access channels especially likely shown randomly intermittently programs ibid rather able simply block certain channels certain times subscriber armed lockbox must carefully monitor programming constantly reprogram lockbox keep undesired programming thus even assuming cable subscribers generally technical proficiency properly operate lockbox means given distinguishing characteristic leased access channels makes lockboxes largely ineffective petitioners argue section segregation blocking scheme sufficiently narrowly tailored requires viewer written consent cfr section permits cable operator days respond written request access section impermissibly underinclusive reaches leased access programming relying lamont postmaster general petitioners argue forcing customers submit written request access chill dissemination speech lamont struck statute barring mail delivery communist political propaganda persons requested post office writing deliver propaganda law required post office keep official list persons desiring receive communist political propaganda course intended chill demand materials however petitioners allegations official list wish watch patently offensive channel majority puts ante pure hyperbole fcc regulation implementing section written request requirement cfr section says nothing creation list much less official government list requires cable operator receive written consent statutory provisions make clear cable operator may share information person including government section mandates personally identifiable information regarding subscriber kept strictly confidential requires cable operators destroy information longer necessary purpose collected section none circumstances figured prominently lamont exists though petitioners reasonably fear specter officially published list indecency viewers true fact subscriber unblocked ascertainable cable operator find legally significant stigma fact segregation blocking scheme generally permissible subscriber access request must take form whether written oral see nothing nefarious congress choice written rather oral consent request access blocked whatever make subscriber identity knowable hardly kind chilling effect implicates first amendment though making oral request access perhaps telephone slightly less bothersome making written request also true written request less subject fraud determined child ante consequently despite fact oral request slightly less restrictive absolute terms also less effective supporting parents interest denying enterprising parentally unauthorized minors access blocked programming segregation blocking requirement intended replacement lockboxes measures rather congress enacted section default setting subscriber receives blocked programming without written request thus subscribers want blocked programming protected subscribers want may request access subscriber requests access blocked programming however subscriber remains free use methods lockboxes regulate kind programming shown channels home thus petitioners wrong portray section highly ineffective method screening individual programs see brief petitioners majority similarly wrong suggest person watch single program without letting patently offensive channel entirety invade household days perhaps weeks time ante see ante given limited scope section default setting see nothing constitutionally infirm congress decision permit cable operator days unblock reblock segregated channel petitioners also claim section implementing regulations impermissibly underinclusive apply leased access programming paul rejected view restriction subject separate independent underinclusiveness evaluation view first amendment imposes underinclusiveness limitation content discrimination limitation upon state prohibition proscribable speech see also ante congress need deal every problem also petitioners claim tension constitutional principle congress may impose remedy restrictive necessary satisfy asserted compelling interest arguments pressing principle cf supra white concurring judgment though overbreadth doctrine redeeming virtue attempting avoid chilling protected expression underbreadth challenge serves desirable function arguing congress impose blocking requirement without also imposing requirement public access nonaccess channels petitioners fail allege much less argue congress compelling interest true indecent programming appears nonaccess channels programming appears almost exclusively per channel services subscribers must specifically request advance manner blocking approach mandated section first report order fcc rcd contrast premium services leased access channels part basic cable package segregation blocking scheme congress imposed nothing convert sexually oriented leased access programming free premium service similarly congress failure impose segregation blocking requirements public access channels may based judgment channels presented less severe problem unintended appears anecdotal evidence congress involved leased access channels congress may also simply decided permit local franchising authorities address issue indecency public access channels local level accordance local rule policies evinced section event segregation blocking scheme established congress narrowly tailored achieve compelling governmental interest become constitutionally suspect merely congress extend restriction channels less perceived problem perhaps compelling interest carried burden demonstrating section implementing regulations narrowly tailored satisfy compelling governmental interest accordingly affirm judgment appeals entirety therefore concur judgment upholding section respectfully dissent portion judgment striking footnotes together alliance community media et al federal communications commission et also certiorari precedents recognize reasonable restraints may placed access certain fora reason cable television treated differently see rosenberger rector visitors univ slip slip souter dissenting see also widmar vincent stevens concurring judgment think obvious example two groups students requested use room particular view mickey mouse cartoons rehearse amateur performance first amendment require room reserved group submitted application first red lion broadcasting fcc approving access requirement limited matters great public concern purposes case canons constitutional avoidance require us assume government authority impose leased access requirements cable operators indeed party litigation contends contrary petitioners constitutional claim depends success constitutionality underlying access rights certainly complain decide case assumption although congress essentially barred cable operators exercising editorial control peg channels see section section merely restore status quo ante section authorizes private operators exercise editorial discretion indecent programming even franchising authority objects practice local franchising authorities free exclude operators exercising control peg channels see blasi pathological perspective first amendment colum rev arguing courts place premium confining range discretion left future decisionmakers called upon make judgments pathological pressures intense indecency cases since pacifica likewise turned much context medium speech content see sable communications fcc distinguishing pacifica part ground telephonic medium issue less intrusive broadcast television renton playtime theatres permitting zoning regulation adult theatres based secondary effects bethel school dist fraser upholding restriction indecent speech public school analysis another important strand present case right owners means communication refuse serve conduits messages dislike equally contextual compare red lion broadcasting fcc upholding requirement broadcasting context miami herald publishing tornillo rejecting requirement print journalism see lynch speedier access cable phone companies compete http june describing cable modem technology gateway ships first destination big screen http april describing computer cable tv internet reception capability see sunstein analogical reasoning harv rev observing analogical reasoning permits greater flexibility time sullivan judging roles categorization balancing rev noting categories established categorical mode leads briefs arguments concentrate much threshold characterization comparative analysis telecommunications act pub section stat permits cable operator refuse transmit leased public access program portion thereof contains obscenity indecency nudity constitutionality amendments extent differ provisions us see turner broadcasting system fcc slip see southwestern cable midwest video midwest video decisions southwestern cable midwest video purely regulatory gave indication whether extent cable operators protected first amendment curiously plurality relies changes taking place law technology industrial structure relating telecommunications ante justify avoidance traditional first amendment standards anything plurality recognizes ante recent include growth satellite broadcast programming coming influx video dialtone local cable operators little monopoly power create programming bottleneck problems thus effectively negating primary justifications treating cable operators differently first amendment speakers indecent programming peg channels appears primarily public access channels generally refer peg access public access even pruneyard shopping center robins instance permitted california compelled access rule burden conflict mall owner speech following turner commentators questioned constitutionality leased public access see goodale cable section pp wake decision turner broadcasting case constitutionality peg access leased access requirements seem open searching reexamination extent access requirement considered restriction speech cable system operator seems clear turner broadcasting requirement found violate operator first amendment rights ugland cable television new technologies first amendment turner broadcasting system mo rev peg requirements face force cable system operators carry certain types programming emphasis original perritt access national information infrastructure wake forest rev leased access public access requirements called question turner moreover justice noted turner congress imposition common obligations cable operators may raise takings clause questions slip concurring part dissenting part questions issue plurality asserting section restore cable operators editorial rights ante mistakes inability exercise right absence right altogether cable operators historically exercised editorial control public access channels diminish underlying right even operator forbearance viewed contractual quid pro quo local franchise turner recognized rules burden programmers must compete space fewer channels slip leased access requirements may also similarly burden programmers compete space nonaccess channels rosenberger rector visitors univ slip found university student activity fund nontangible channel communication limited public forum generally quite reluctant find even limited public fora channels communication cornelius naacp legal defense ed fund combined federal campaign limited public forum perry ed assn perry local educators school mail facilities limited public forum event certainly neverz held public access channels fully designated public forum entitles programmers freedom distinctions see shapiro kurland mercurio cablespeech case first amendment protection cable systems operated private rather governmental entities cable television characterized public forum therefore rights derived public forum doctrine asserted wish express cable systems petitioners argument property right called right exclude transferred government persuasive though generally true excepting section public access channels prohibition absolute section provides prohibition exercise editorial discretion subject section permits operators franchising authorities ban obscene constitutionally unprotected speech however permitted exercise authority see stat section prohibiting censorship leased public access programming pub serv law section mckinney supp rate never recognized public forum based property interest taken regulatory restriction see brenner price meyerson cable television nonbroadcast video section hereinafter brenner local governments formed nonprofit organizations perform functions see code ann section supp establishing public access corporation purpose facilitating governing nondiscriminatory use public access channels see section authorizing franchise authorities require adequate assurance cable operator provide adequate public educational governmental access channel capacity facilities financial support stat section requiring cable operators contribute money resources cable advisory councils monitor compliance public access standards section regulations establishing minimum standards equipment supplied community access programming code ann section shall provide use production facilities production assistance amount set forth request proposal stat section requiring cable operators make readily available public use least minimal equipment necessary production programming playback prerecorded programs activities partly financed public funds ante diminish fact activities also partly financed operator money see brenner section frequently access centers receive money equipment cable operator section discussing cable operator financing public access channels questioning constitutionality forced subsidization speech petitioners argue section act section lifts cable operators immunity obscene speech forces encourages operators ban indecent speech congress directly impose outright ban obscene programming see sable communications fcc petitioners encouragement argument meritless sable congress quickly amended statute fcc promulgated safe harbor rules rules later upheld first amendment challenge see dial information servs thornburgh cert denied information providers coalition defense first amendment fcc promulgating regulations pursuant section fcc well aware default rules established upheld asserted similar rules necessary leased access channels see first report order fcc rcd blocking scheme upheld cases relevant respects identical required section ibid ust section relating telephone determined mandatory voluntary blocking essential context courts upholding fcc mandatory blocking scheme expressly found voluntary blocking schemes effective see dial information supra information providers coalition supra circumstances cases see constitutionally significant difference written oral request see blocked programming also see relevant distinction section blocking requirement enacted act majority places much reliance see ante indeed persons request access blocked programming pursuant cfr section identifiable persons subscribe sexually oriented premium channels persons must specially request premium service lockbox provision originally passed unaffected act remains fully available every subscriber section examining restrictions imposed act majority probably correct doubt channels mostly leased channels ante surely majority doubt nonleased channels premium channels must expressly requested thus disagree provisions act address highly similar problem unlike congress blocking scheme market norm requiring viewers pay premium indecent programming lockboxes place financial burden seeking avoid indecent programming leased access channels see section cable operator shall provide sale lease device subscriber prohibit viewing particular cable service periods selected subscriber