FCC R&O Amends Foreign Sponsorship ID Requirements

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, June 11, 2024

Federal Communications Commission

The FCC has issued an updated order aimed at tightening regulations on foreign sponsorship identification in broadcast programming. The decision, outlined in a detailed report released on Monday, June 10 addresses a previous court ruling which had vacated one of the FCC's foreign sponsorship identification requirements. The new rules replace this requirement with what it calls a more flexible approach that simplifies the verification process for broadcasters, giving them two distinct methods to demonstrate compliance.

Under the revised regulations, broadcasters must now choose between two verification options when determining if their content is sponsored by a foreign governmental entity. The first option allows broadcasters to collect certifications from their lessees affirming that they are not foreign governmental entities, while the second option involves obtaining screenshots that demonstrate the absence of the lessee's name from specific government databases.

The FCC's order also clarifies that the foreign sponsorship identification rules do not apply to advertisements for commercial goods and services that are exempt under existing rules. However, these rules will still apply to issue advertisements and paid public service announcements. The order reiterates the importance of transparency in broadcasting, ensuring that audiences are aware of the sources behind the content they are consuming, particularly when that content is influenced by foreign entities.

This action comes amid concerns about undisclosed foreign influence over U.S. media outlets and aims to enhance the transparency of content sponsorship on radio and television broadcasts. The FCC believes these changes will help maintain the integrity of U.S. broadcasting by informing the public about the true sources of programming, which is crucial for an informed electorate. The order emphasizes the agency's commitment to adapting its regulations in response to evolving media landscapes and legal precedents.