A victory - broadcasters must disclose source of video new releases.

[DebinTx]

Just got this in an email a short while ago. Small victories add up!


Hi XXXXXX,

On March 13, we launched the Stop Fake News campaign. Since then, over 26,933 of you sent a message directly to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the U.S. Department of Justice.

Today, we can declare a major victory! The FCC has heard your voice and declared that TV broadcasters must disclose the source of video news releases (VNRs) produced by the government.

This is what today's Washington Post article, "Broadcasters Must Reveal Video Clips' Sources, FCC Says," said:


Television broadcasters must disclose to viewers the origin of video news releases produced by the government or corporations when the material runs on the public airwaves, the Federal Communications Commission said yesterday.

The FCC's ruling comes as video news releases produced by the Bush administration and aired as part of local television news reports have come under attack from critics who call them unlabeled Republican propaganda.
-- Read the full Washington Post Article


FCC commissioners Michael Copps and Jonathan Adelstein said that public comments such as the 26,933 comments from our community were critical in provoking this announcement.

FCC Commissioner Michael Copps:

"Everyone understands that a story cannot be judged without knowing its source, but increasingly the source goes unreported. Recently tens of thousands of citizens contacted the FCC demanding an investigation into the failure of broadcasters to disclose their use of government-generated "news" stories. They were right to do so. This Commission should investigate each such case. And it should strenuously enforce the rules against inadequate sponsorship identification." (emphasis added)

-- Read Commissioner Copps' Full Statement. (PDF)


FCC Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein:

"We have recently received a large number of complaints from the public about VNRs that were created by or for the federal government, and which were broadcast on television stations without identifying the government's role in developing the VNR." (emphasis added)

-- Read Commissioner Adelstein's Full Statement. (PDF)


You can read the full FCC Public Notice on VNRs by clicking here. (PDF)

As in our StopSinclair campaign, you have shown that when we speak together, with one voice, we can Start Change. This is just the beginning. We will continue to keep our eyes on government-produced newscasts and other fake news that this administration produces, but today is a major victory. Enjoy it!

Thank you for making this possible,

Arkadi, Marc, Tim and the entire StartChange Team
www.StartChange.org

[LisaM]

1. Sounds great - but will they enforce it?

We know this administration both drags its feet and outright ignores directives such as this. Do you think broadcasters will actually comply? (Believe me, I hope so.)

[DebinTx]

2. Time will tell

but I imagine most stations will not want to get on the FCC's bad side.

[DesEtoiles]

3. yea!

[cyberpj]

4. Thanks. I'll take any we can get.

Of course people knew all about it now so it wasn't going to be as effective anyway. Guess they could give us this one.