Broadcasters Concerned on Foreign ID Rules; NCEs Want Carve-Out

Exempt noncommercial educational stations from new disclosure rules for foreign-sponsored content, Minnesota Public Radio and REC Networks asked in FCC replies in docket 20-299 by Monday night’s deadline (see 2012170075). The rules could require NCE stations to air such identification while broadcasting content bought by the broadcaster from the BBC, MPR said. "A standardized disclosure would be required whenever a foreign governmental entity furnishes program material to a station at nominal cost as an inducement to broadcast such material,” MPR said. “The NPRM does not define ‘nominal cost.’” NCEs aren’t allowed to sell content on their stations anyway, so additional ID isn’t necessary, REC said. That’s not the case for commercial stations, REC said. “We do feel though that for purchased airtime by a foreign government entity, that the specific disclosure that a program is originating from a ‘foreign government’ should be necessary." The FCC's proposals "would duplicate existing laws and rules and sweep in a much broader swath of content than the intended target of foreign propaganda,” said NAB: Rely on Foreign Agents Registration Act rules. If the FCC adopts new rules, they should be “narrowly tailored,” it asked. NCTA made similar points: “Avoid duplication with the disclosures already required” by FARA “and ensure that the rules are reasonable.”