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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).
Statement from FCC Chairman William E. Kennard
on the Petition for Rehearing In Banc
on the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod v. FCC Opinion
Today the FCC asked the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit to reconsider its decision to strike down our EEO rules. The rules are constitutional. They impose no quotas, set-asides or preferences. The rules merely require that broadcasters reach beyond the "old boy network" and consider qualified minorities and women job applicants. This is not too much to ask of broadcasters who are entrusted with a valuable license to use the public's airwaves.
The broadcasting industry should reflect the rich cultural diversity of our nation. The FCC has a role to play in protecting the traditionally disenfranchised voices in our nation. The FCC's EEO rules are one of our tools to promote inclusion in broadcasting. Most importantly, the rules have worked well for almost 30 years. And our nation is better off because of them.