Suchergebnisse

Government regulation of political broadcasting is grounded in the laudable goals of providing candidates for office with "equal opportunities" to inform the citizenry via the public airwaves and of promoting general "fair ness" in broadcast coverage of controversial political issues. Congress has mandated these principles, and the courts have played some role in interpreting them. But day-to-day problems of implementation and clarification fall on the Federal Communications Commission. A review of FCC de cisions suggests that enforcement and interpretation of the "equal opportunities" requirements has created uncertainty among candidates and broadcasters alike and has discouraged bold and controversial political broadcasting. In attempts to apply the "fairness" principle to broadcast coverage of poli tics, the FCC's piecemeal approach has resulted in charges of partisan decision making, of over-deference to broad casters, and of interfering with broadcast journalism.

Governmental regulation of political broadcasting is grounded in laudable goals: (1) providing candidates for office with "equal opportunities" to inform the citizenry via the public airwaves, & (2) promoting general "fairness" in broadcast coverage of controversial political issues. Congress has mandated these principles & the courts have played some role in interpreting them, but constant problems of implementation & clarification fall on the Federal Communications Commission. A review of FCC decisions suggests that enforcement & interpretation of the "equal opportunities" requirements have created uncertainty among candidates & broadcasters alike, & have discouraged bold & controversial political broadcasting. In attempts to apply the "fairness" principle to broadcast coverage of politics, the FCC's piecemeal approach has resulted in charges of partisan decision-making, of over-deference to broadcasters, & of interfering with broadcast journalism. Modified HA.

While 42 states do have "public records" statutes, few such laws apply specifically to the police blotter. The judiciary and the state attorney general can play a key role in attaining statewide policy which favors access.