FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE				News Media Contact:
October 11, 2000						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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