Michael Powell has taken the FCC into a tougher and tougher stance in regulating “indecency” (a moving target). “As Mr. Powell nears the end of his time in office, critics say he has evolved into the most heavy-handed enforcer of speech restrictions in decades. But with Mr. Powell now widely expected to step down, they are hardly gloating about the prospect of his departure; the short list of candidates to succeed him includes another Republican member of the five-person commission, Kevin J. Martin, who – echoing those who say television is too tawdry – has repeatedly argued that the commission and Mr. Powell are not tough enough. But the broadcasters are also beginning to fight back.”