Equal Time: FCC Chairman Carr’s ‘Latest Volley’ – Radio & Television Business Report

Report on FCC Media Bureau Guidance and Political Bias in Legacy Media

Introduction

One week ago, FCC Commissioner Anna M. Gómez criticized the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Media Bureau for issuing guidance regarding the application of the statutory equal opportunities requirement and bona fide news exemptions to broadcast television stations. This guidance specifically addressed the airing of late-night and daytime talk shows.

Key Issues Raised

1. Equal Opportunities Requirement: The guidance pertains to the statutory equal opportunities requirement, which mandates that broadcast stations provide equal opportunities to political candidates.
2. Bona Fide News Exemptions: The guidance also covers bona fide news exemptions, which allow certain programming to be exempt from equal opportunity rules.
3. Impact on Broadcast Television: The focus is on how these rules apply to broadcast television stations, including their late-night and daytime talk show content.

Response from the American Enterprise Institute

The nonresident senior fellow of the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) has contributed to the discussion by analyzing the recent developments. This analysis centers on FCC Chairman Brendan Carr’s ongoing efforts to address political bias in legacy media.

Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: Ensuring fairness and equal opportunities in media supports transparent and accountable institutions, fostering trust in public information sources.
• SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities: Addressing political bias in media contributes to reducing inequalities in access to balanced information for all societal groups.
• SDG 4 – Quality Education: Promoting unbiased and equitable media content enhances public awareness and education on political processes and civic engagement.

Conclusion

The recent FCC Media Bureau guidance and subsequent critiques highlight ongoing challenges in maintaining political impartiality and equal opportunities in broadcast media. These efforts align with broader Sustainable Development Goals aimed at fostering inclusive, just, and informed societies.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The article discusses regulatory guidance by the FCC related to equal opportunities and political bias in media, which relates to promoting transparent, accountable institutions.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The focus on equal opportunities in broadcast media touches on reducing inequalities in political representation and access to information.
3. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The involvement of multiple stakeholders (FCC, AEI, media entities) implies collaboration to address media fairness and political bias.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 16 Targets
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels — The FCC’s guidance aims to ensure accountability and transparency in media regulation.
   • Target 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms — Addressing political bias and equal opportunities in media supports this target.
2. SDG 10 Targets
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all — Equal opportunities requirements in broadcasting promote political inclusion.
3. SDG 17 Targets
   • Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development — The collaboration between regulatory bodies and think tanks reflects partnerships to achieve media fairness.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicator for SDG 16.6
   • Proportion of the population satisfied with their last experience of public services — Implied through public response to FCC regulations and media fairness.
2. Indicator for SDG 16.10
   • Number of verified cases of political bias or discrimination in media — Implied by the focus on addressing political bias in legacy media.
3. Indicator for SDG 10.2
   • Proportion of people who feel their voice is heard in political processes — Implied through equal opportunities in broadcast media.
4. Indicator for SDG 17.16
   • Number of multi-stakeholder partnerships for sustainable development — Implied by collaboration between FCC, AEI, and media entities.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: rbr.com