WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit vacated the Federal Communications Commission’s foreign sponsorship identification rule that had required radio and TV broadcasters to undertake independent investigations by searching federal government databases for information about the sponsors of programming. As NAB argued, the Court held that federal law only authorizes the Commission to require stations to obtain sponsorship identification information from their own employees and from program sponsors, not from any other sources.
The following statement can be attributed to NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt:
“NAB appreciates the court’s careful review of the important issues in this case. Today’s decision ensures that the rules rightly continue requiring the handful of stations airing foreign government-sponsored programming to identify it as such, but removes the burden on the overwhelming majority of stations that never air foreign government-sponsored content.”
The National Association of Broadcasters is the premier advocacy association for America's broadcasters. NAB advances radio and television interests in legislative, regulatory and public affairs. Through advocacy, education and innovation, NAB enables broadcasters to best serve their communities, strengthen their businesses and seize new opportunities in the digital age. Learn more at www.nab.org.