The federal government should stay out of the squabble over prepackaged news materials such as video news releases.
The FCC is reviewing existing rules and regulations on two types of prepackaged news materials – those involving financial or promotional considerations for broadcasters who air them and those involving “controversial” or “political subjects.” The FCC became involved after two well-publicized cases last year in which broadcasters aired government-sponsored video news releases on controversial presidential issues without identifying the source.
PRSA, the world’s largest organization representing public relations professionals, correctly argues that broadcasters and producers of prepackaged news materials are obligated to fully inform the public about who provided the information contained in the material and who paid for the production. So there’s no reason for the FCC to expanded the laws.
Read the full PRSA comment.