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.
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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