Competing against the pay cable channels, which are free to show nudity, sex scenes and graphic violence.
The HBOs and Showtimes, for example, have a lot more latitude in program content than their over-the-air cousins such as NBC and CBS, who are regulated by the Federal Communications Commission.
Basic cable channels such as Bravo and FX for years have sided with the broadcast networks in keeping their programs generally free of foul language, nudity and steamy sex scenes. For the full story click here.