FCC Rukes of Broadcasting False Information (It's not just News, but Commentary)

[TheBlackAdder]

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The FCC occasionally receives complaints regarding allegedly false information aired on TV or radio. The FCC reviews all complaints for possible violation of its rules, which are narrow in scope.


Broadcasting false information that causes substantial 'public harm'

The FCC prohibits broadcasting false information about a crime or a catastrophe if the broadcaster knows the information is false and will cause substantial "public harm" if aired.

FCC rules specifically say that the "public harm must begin immediately, and cause direct and actual damage to property or to the health or safety of the general public, or diversion of law enforcement or other public health and safety authorities from their duties."

Broadcasters may air disclaimers that clearly characterize programming as fiction to avoid violating FCC rules about public harm.


Broadcasting false content during news programming

The FCC is prohibited by law from engaging in censorship or infringing on First Amendment rights of the press. It is, however, illegal for broadcasters to intentionally distort the news, and the FCC may act on complaints if there is documented evidence of such behavior from persons with direct personal knowledge. For more information, please see our consumer guide, Complaints About Broadcast Journalism.

https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/broadcasting-false-information

I also believe the FCC Licensing & Management System's one of two Basic Licensing Questions asks if any party was ever a convicted felon by a state or federal court. I don't know if a pardon, which is often stated by people an implied crime acknowledgement, also counts. If it does, than if Trump pardons himself and family, none of them might be able to hold radio or television ownership.

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[DBoon]

1. KnR

Cable providers should be subject to this as well. Laws should be amended for this purpose.

[thinkingagain]

4. Well I think places like fb also that allow

Advertisement of fake news channels that put out fake news
And posts that are fake should be marked as such within a short time.

I see it this way it’s illegal to sell counterfeit items marketing them as real
Places like Facebook make money off of us using their services
Hence to me they are marketing
So should not be allowed to sell fake ads

I know of no laws on this it’s just how I feel
I get so angry when I’m on a website and see what looks like a real news site only it’s spilling fake news or fake ads about things

[elleng]

2. Well, who KNEW?

Time for some changes?

[wtbymark]

3. unfortunately

FCC rules only govern Earth Based Stations transmitting over local airwaves. Its the airwaves themselves that the FCC governs. Just last year the FCC 'took back' from the public the 600Mhz band (it had been scheduled in 08') so if you have a wireless microphone in that band it is now illegal.

-broadcast engineer, concert engineer