Bringing Broadcaster Public Files into the 21st Century

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[Commentary] In exchange for exclusive use of spectrum broadcasters have acquired public interest obligations. However, viewing the public files that document how broadcasters have fulfilled on that commitment can hardly be considered accessible when compared to 21st century e-Government and transparency norms.

As part of our effort to understand the issue, we have visited a number of broadcasters and examined their public files - a task that currently requires visiting a station between Monday and Friday. Requesting a copy can result in costs of up-to 25 cents a page. The Federal Communications Commission is proposing to bring the broadcasters in to the 21st century and require they post public file information online including the contents of the political file. But broadcasters made the bizarre claim that this move to share rate information online would force them to reveal “sensitive pricing data.” The information is already available for anyone to inspect, though only between the hours of 9 and 5 in person at their offices and photocopied at the readers expense. Putting it online is just asking the broadcasters to enter the 21st century and make good on the public interest obligations broadcast stations took on in exchange for a government grant to use publicly owned spectrum for free.


Bringing Broadcaster Public Files into the 21st Century