O’Rielly Concurs on NPRM for Disclosing Foreign-Sponsored Content
The FCC is seeking comment on proposed rules to require that broadcasters disclose when content is sponsored or provided by foreign governments, said an NPRM voted on Oct. 16 and released Monday (see 2009150059). Commissioner Mike O’Rielly concurred in part…
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and approved in part and didn’t issue a statement. The other commissioners voted to approve. “We take this action in the midst of known attacks on our political processes by foreign governments and their representatives,” said Commissioner Geoffrey Starks. “This is about basic transparency and it frankly shouldn’t have taken us so long,” said Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel. None of the FCC Republicans issued a statement. Rep. Anna Eshoo, D-Calif., has repeatedly written Chairman Ajit Pai calling for disclosure rules. The NPRM would require disclosures if a foreign governmental entity -- as defined by Foreign Agents Registration Act -- pays a station to air material, or provides content free. The NPRM proposed requiring standardized disclosure language and applying requirements similar to those used for sponsored political ads, including a public file requirement.