RTDNA Files Comments Opposing Proposed FCC Issues/Programs Recordkeeping Changes

Opposes FCC Policy

The RADIO-TELEVISION DIGITAL NEWS ASSOCIATION has filed comments in the FCC's docket proposing new, more detailed record-keeping requirements including a standard form for issues and programs lists kept by broadcasters, saying that a survey of the organization's members noted the "onerous burden" the new rules would place on stations.

"Based on the results of an exercise in which 100 RTDNA member stations tested the form," the comments filed by WILEY REIN attorneys KATHLEEN A. KIRBY and HENRY R. GOLA state, "RTDNA believes that the new form will saddle broadcast newsrooms with considerable burdens in terms of time, manpower, and money that they can ill afford. RTDNA’s journalists are proud that they are doing more with less, but asking news professionals to take hours and budget dollars away from news gathering and reporting to perform recordkeeping and content-coding for a regulatory requirement that serves no meaningful objective may break the camel’s back. Most certainly, it will divert precious time and attention away from those undertakings the Commission purports to hold dear—the production of local news and public affairs programming."  

The organization also warned the FCC that the proposed regulations will not survive a court challenge on First Amendment grounds.

« see more Net News