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Media Reform Group Calls for Disclosure on "Astroturf" Groups

Alex Constantine - June 17, 2010

Media reform group wants FCC to require advocacy outfits to declare industry connections in commission filings, presentations

By John Eggerton | Broadcasting & Cable | 6/8/2010

Cartoon Teabag Useful Idiots - Media Reform Group Calls for Disclosure on "Astroturf" GroupsMedia reform group Free Press wants the FCC to force so-called "astroturf" groups to identify their connections with industry in filings on their meetings with, orm presentations to, FCC officials.

That call came in reply comments filed June 8 on the FCC's proposal to tighten those rules, which require outside parties making written or oral presentations to commissioners and/or staff on issues in an open commission proceeding to disclose those presentations publicly.

Free Press argues that disclosure rules should apply to all comments and filings at the FCC, not just those under the ex parte rules. "[T]ransparency will help limit confusion over groups that purport to be representatives of the public interest, yet advocate at the Commission on behalf of industry interests that pay them specifically for their advocacy work," said the group.

Free Press wants disclosure of all contributing organizations to a group, rather than simply disclosure of ownership. "Astroturf organizations are often structured as independent organizations that receive ongoing or per-project funding from industry, rather than anything resembling an equity stake," they argue.

Free Press also supports the FCC's proposal to increase the sanctions for noncompliance with ex parte rules, but argues that fines should vary according to the size of the organization. "There is no fixed amount of monetary forfeiture that will be simultaneously large enough to be a meaningful deterrent for corporations with multibillion-dollar revenues and yet small enough not to cripple a non-profit organization."

And so as not to scare away participation from smaller groups, it says the FCC should have clear warnings and an  opportunity to repair incomplete ex parte notices before fining or otherwise penalizing those groups.

http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/453533-Free_Press_Calls_for_Disclosure_on_Astroturf_Groups.php

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