By Peter Bowes BBC News in Los Angeles

Saving Private Ryan starred Tom Hanks (left) and won five Oscars

The moral maze of American television is under scrutiny following the recent refusal by some TV stations to screen Oscar-winning film Saving Private Ryan.

The curse of Janet Jackson's fleetingly bare breast is still haunting US broadcasters.

Almost a year after the singer's unfortunate "wardrobe malfunction" during the Super Bowl half-time show, US television remains hypersensitive to matters of taste and decency.

The latest skirmish came last week when 66 ABC-affiliated TV stations refused to broadcast the Oscar-winning war epic, Saving Private Ryan.

The film had been scheduled at 8pm to mark Veterans' Day. But with scenes that feature graphic violence and profanity, the movie prompted fears that stations could face indecency fines.

They feel confused about the FCC's rules concerning certain language and violence Senator Hillary Clinton

In the end, 159 ABC affiliates went ahead with the broadcast. A spokeswoman for the network said it applauded the majority of its local television affiliates across the country who "chose to be part of this important Veterans' Day television event".

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has confirmed that it received a number of complaints following the broadcast.

Having seen CBS-owned stations fined for the Janet Jackson faux pas, local stations are increasingly inclined to err on the side of caution.

Confusion

At the heart of the issue lies a widespread fear and lack of understanding of the FCC.

An independent government agency, the FCC was established in 1934 and is charged with regulating communications by radio and television.

The body is directed by five commissioners appointed by the President, and confirmed by the Senate, to serve five-year terms.

Janet Jackson's exposure prompted caution among US TV stations

"They feel confused about the FCC's rules concerning certain language and violence," said Senator Hillary Clinton, from New York.

"I think it's a shame if confusion about those rules interferes with showing an award-winning movie that really conveys both the horrors and heroism of war," she added.

There is a growing consensus that the FCC's rules need to be clarified. The problem, in a nation that appears to be increasingly uptight about matters of morality, is where to draw the line.

According to an LA Times editorial, the ABC affiliates that refrained from airing Saving Private Ryan "could have shown more valour."

But, the paper opines: "They are as much a victim of the FCC's arbitrary and capricious regulation as they are villains in this tale."

The New York Times highlighted what it saw as a deeper problem. The paper viewed the response of the ABC stations as "a sign of the effects of the government's growing willingness to intrude excessively into American culture".

At least one station executive cited a US election exit poll survey that suggested most republican voters put moral values at the top of their list of concerns.

Knock-on effect

And if recent events are anything to go by, Hollywood appears to have taken note.

Pixar's box office hit The Incredibles has a moral message

"I think the mood of the nation has been read more distinctly by Hollywood - certainly the mood of Hollywood has changed," said Ted Baehr, Chairman of the Christian Film and Television Commission.

"I'm happy anytime Hollywood decides it's going to be more responsible."

Mr Baehr, who publishes a family-focused film publication, MovieGuide, explained that Hollywood is producing more films with positive Christian references.

The current US box office hit, animation movie The Incredibles, has a strong conservative theme that champions the defenders of justice and the sanctity of marriage.

The film studios have a clear financial incentive to ride the crest of any morality wave. It is a trend that is likely, ultimately, to be embraced by foreign markets.

If America is becoming increasingly prudish about sex and violence, it plays into the hands of film-makers aiming to re-sell their movies in markets such as China, India and Mexico.

In these countries there is a much greater emphasis on wholesome, family-led entertainment.

"Anytime you show responsibility, wisdom, knowledge and understanding and aim for the true, the good and the beautiful, you're doing better," said Mr Baehr.

"Hollywood is doing a lot of that."