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Codebreaker

FCC will make it easier to trace ad money

Marc Sanchez Jul 17, 2012

As it stands, if you want to find out how much a politician paid for an ad you might have seen on a commercial during the local news, you would have to drive down to the station to find out. There’s no secrecy behind it, no TV/politician conspiracy, but you have to physically ask for and be handed the paperwork. Enter computers.

The Federal Communications Commission is getting ready to change the rules a little. Starting August 2, TV stations will have to file digital copies of that paperwork on the FCC’s site. The FCC will demonstrate the new system at a press conference today. Hopefully it will involve somebody in a suit, typing on a keyboard, then hitting “enter” after a drum roll, because that would be exciting.
Broadcasters are upset with the whole idea of simplicity it seems.

The Hill writes:

But the broadcasters have sued the FCC in federal court, arguing that the commission stepped beyond its authority with the rule. The broadcasters have filed for a stay, which would suspend the rules until the court makes a final ruling on the group’s suit.  

Although the Hill article didn’t say it specifically, I think said “broadcasters” filed the suit while twirling their mustaches and mumbling something about must having to pay the rent.

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