1919 - M Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20554
Fax-On-Demand 202 / 418-2830
Internet: http://www.fcc.gov
ftp.fcc.gov
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).
PRESS STATEMENT OF COMMISSIONER MICHAEL POWELL REGARDING FREE TIME FOR CANDIDATES
Last night the President announced that he would formally ask this agency to act to provide free or reduced-cost television time for candidates. I acknowledge that campaign finance reform is of profound significance to the American public. I do not believe, however, that our general mandate to regulate in the public interest entitles the FCC to engage in election reform. In our democracy, the functioning of the electoral process is properly a matter for the men and women who are politically accountable to the people. It should not be the task of five un-elected regulators, without a specific grant of statutory authority.