FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE News Media Contact: October 11, 2000 David Fiske (202) 418-0513 Statement of FCC Chairman William E. Kennard Court of Appeals Order on Political Editorial and Personal Attack Rules I am disappointed with the court’s decision to repeal these rules without the benefit of the further inquiry that a temporary suspension of the rules would have provided. However, these rules are only a small part of the much more important question: how are broadcasters, as public trustees, enhancing the democratic process. We will use this opportunity to test broadcasters’ claims that the rules chill speech and to determine how best to ensure that the public receives balanced coverage of controversial issues. We intend to move forward promptly to study the public interest obligations of broadcasters in the digital age, including whether these rules should be reinstated. - FCC - 1 2 News media Information 202 / 418-0500 Fax-On-Demand 202 / 418-2830 TTY 202/418-2555 Internet: http://www.fcc.gov ftp.fcc.gov Federal Communications Commission 445 12th Street, S.W. Washington, D. C. 20554 This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).