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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).
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 11, 2000 |
NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: William J. Friedman (202) 418-2300 |
Statement of Commissioner Gloria Tristani
Court of Appeals Order on Political Editorial and Personal Attack Rules
I am saddened by the D.C. Circuit Court's decision today compelling this agency to vacate its personal attack and political editorial rules. But, I have no quarrel with the Court's rationale. As the Court noted, to an outside observer it appeared the Commission ignored the Court's prior call to action. The rules' challengers fairly seized on this point.
The rules at issue have been part of the modern broadcast landscape for many years and have been both praised and attacked. The purpose of the rules has always been to ensure the American public is an informed citizenry, a goal fundamental to our democracy.
Whether the rules properly balance the competing constitutional rights at issue is a question left open by today's ruling. Whether the public interest requires the personal attack and political editorial rules can only be determined if the Commission undertakes a rulemaking. I look forward to providing both challengers and supporters their chance to advance their evidence and arguments.
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