Trio Of House, Senate Democrats Urge FCC To Extend Online Political File Rule To Radio, Cable, Satellite

Capitol Suggestion

Three CAPITOL HILL Democrats have sent a letter to FCC Chairman TOM WHEELER urging the Commission to extend the requirement of posting political file documents online to radio and cable and satellite TV.

The letter from House Communications and Technology Subcommittee Ranking Member ANNA G. ESHOO (D-CA), retiring House Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member HENRY A. WAXMAN (D-CA), and senior member of the House Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee Sen. BILL NELSON (D-FL)  said that given projections of increased political ad spending on cable, satellite, and radio, "it's imperative that the FCC expand its online filing requirement to cable and satellite operators, as well as broadcast radio licensees."

The letter also asks that filings be made to the FCC database "in a standardized or searchable format."  The politicians say that extending the rule, presently applicable only to broadcast TV stations, would "provide the public with a simple and straightforward means to access public information that is already disclosed in each operator's political file. This action is especially important given that the political file can shed light on the expenditures of outside groups that are not subject to oversight by the FEC."

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