Martin to Stations: Put Public Records Online

MARTIN TO STATIONS: PUT PUBLIC RECORDS ONLINE
[SOURCE: Broadcasting&Cable, AUTHOR: John Eggerton]
FCC Chairman Kevin Martin wants broadcasters to put their public files online, including public-affairs­ programming logs, requests for political-ad time and the prices charged. Some in the TV industry say the move could provide more ammunition for activist groups looking to challenge TV licenses and could add up to more expense and time for stations to convert drawers of papers to a searchable Web database. Chairman Martin has circulated a notice of proposed rulemaking that would require online filing of TV stations’ public files. He likely has the votes to pass it, given the views of Democratic Commissioners Michael Copps and Jonathan Adelstein on the public’s access to information. Floated by former Democratic FCC Chairman William Kennard in 2000, the proposal would make it a lot easier for the public -- including activist groups -- to keep tabs on broadcasters’ filing obligations and performance on a number of fronts, ranging from consulting deals with independent contractors to ongoing indecency-complaint investigations to how much they were charging candidates for airtime. It is one of dozens of items the chairman is circulating among the commissioners, looking to clear up a backlog of items dating back to previous chairmen in the face of increased oversight by powerful Democrats now heading congressional committees. Cheryl Leanza, managing director of the United Church of Christ, which has filed complaints against stations for kids-TV rule violations, says, “Having public files online would make it much easier for any member of the public, including the UCC, to review a station’s behavior and progress.” Currently, citizens frequently have to make an appointment and go down and look at a public file, and it can be very difficult, she says. Andrew Schwartzman, of watchdog group Media Access Project, says “Putting this information online is essential for meaningful public participation.”
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