FCC’s Genachowski on Political Files: Common Sense

At the National Association of Broadcasters convention in Las Vegas, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski gave every indication that he plans to move ahead with mandating television broadcasters to place their political advertising files online.

“Editorial writers have called it ‘an excellent idea’ and encouraged the FCC to put in place,” he said. “It’s the 21st century; I call it common sense.” Chairman Genachowski addressed and dismissed broadcasters’ two major arguments against the idea — that it would be too costly and that it would expose “proprietary” ad rate information, disrupt sales negotiations and hurt their business. The chairman also gently scolded broadcasters for how they have opposed the requirement. “Using rhetoric that one writer described as ‘teeth-gnashing’ and ‘fire-breathing,’ some in the broadcast industry have elected to position themselves against technology, against transparency and against journalism.” Following the speech and his flattering introduction of Chairman Genachowski (“he’s a certified smart guy”), NAB President Gordon Smith conceded that the NAB has made little headway in altering Genachowski’s course.