FCC's Copps Proposes "Public Value Test" For Licensees

Touts 'Public Values'

FCC Commissioner MICHAEL J. COPPS has returned to one of his common themes, proposing that the present broadcast licensing process be replaced with a "public value test," reports the NEW YORK TIMES. COPPS said that the test "would get us back to the original licensing bargain between broadcasters and the people: in return for free use of airwaves that belong exclusively to the people, licensees agree to serve the public interest as good stewards of a precious national resource."

COPPS' plan, delivered in a speech to the COLUMBIA JOURNALISM SCHOOL, proposes "quantifiable" "meaningful commitments" to news and public affairs, 25% prime-time local/independently produced programming requirements, plans for emergency and disaster coverage, and disclosure of those paying for political ads. He suggested that the test be administered every four years, with a probation process for stations that fail.

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