Actually, it's my understanding that since the networks are still technically broadcasting signals on public airspace, they are bound by FCC content regulations in a similar way that radio stations are.

I think you're right though: even if networks could air whatever they wanted they wouldn't choose to put something like "Sopranos" on, simply because it would hurt their image.

The real question is why basic cable stations haven't pushed the boundaries more -- not being broadcast, they can show pretty much whatever they choose. In fact, I remember an interesting time once when Comedy Central ran a Comic Relief special completely uncensored. That was, er, interesting to see.

To address your other question, I don't think HBO shows have an advantage simply because they can have more adult content. "Sopranos" is nominated for a ton of Emmy nominations because it is a *good* show, not because there's a lot of cussing (though how something like "Sex and the City" got nominated for anything is beyond me). At the same time, it's true that "Sopranos" would not work at all on network TV, because being gritty is sort of an integral part of a mob drama.

However, I've seen better shows on network TV than "Sopranos" (maybe not recently, but I think that says more for the state of TV right now than it does for the quality of "Sopranos"). The real advantage HBO has is that it can develop shows however it wants to -- it could air "West Wing" as easily as NBC could. The fact that HBO seems unwilling to create any programming that isn't "edgy" is a bit odd to me, because having "adult" content just to have it doesn't make something good.

Stephen