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WASHINGTON (AP) — Saying the word "Redskins" on the air isn't obscene or profane — at least not according to the Federal Communications Commission.
The FCC on Thursday dismissed a petition that called for one of the team's flagship radio stations not to have its license renewed. The petition claimed repeated use of the word "Redskins" violates rules against indecent content.
But the FCC said that the law defines profanity as sexual or excretory in nature — meanings that don't relate to the name of the football team.
Many Native American and other groups consider "Redskins" to be a racial slur and have demanded that owner Dan Snyder change the name. Snyder has vowed to keep it, despite mounting pressure over the past two years.
Thursday's ruling affects the Snyder-owned station WWXX-FM.
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