Posted on 04/28/2008 3:15:22 AM PDT by Man50D
WASHINGTON – Today is the last day for public comments on a proposed Federal Communications Commission rule change some say would threaten the licenses of Christian radio stations from coast to coast.
At issue is a proposal that would require every radio station to take programming advice from community advisory boards representative of the area's population.
Advocates of Christian programming say that would require Christian broadcasters to seek advice from non-Christians and even those opposed to the Christian message. Some radio stations fear organized groups of atheists, for instance, could demand representation on the new FCC-mandated advisory boards that would factor into licensing decisions.
"While the FCC is considering these rule changes, at the moment nothing is 'set in stone' as they await public comment," explains the Christian Air 1 Radio Network. "If any of these changes were adopted, there would be significant impact on our ability to minister to you and your community. These rules would not only affect our stations but also thousands of stations around the country."
In addition to the requirement for advisory boards, the new regulations would also mandate radio stations produce every three months reports on how much programming of various types has been broadcast, who produced it and how it reflects the interests of the community – including segments who do not approve of or share Christian values.
The National Association of Broadcasters, which opposes the rule change, offers an online form for making comments on the FCC rule change – but the deadline is today. All comments must be filed under the assigned docket number No. 04-233, meaning that number must be included in all communications about the proposed rule change to be considered by the FCC.
(Excerpt) Read more at worldnetdaily.com ...
Next will be an equivalent of the CRTC followed closely by Human Rights Commissions, the first to tell them who can say anything and the second to tell the what not to say.
What a stupid proposal!!
Don’t they realize there is an “off” button and a “tuner” on the radio for those who may not wish to listen.
If I heard an “Islamic” broadcast I may get an upset stomach, but the “off” button and Pepto Bismol would remedy that.
I do not expect anyone (or group) to ask my approval on what they want to preach as long as it is NOT anti-American NOR any sort of incitement to violence.
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MEL’s -PASSION- sparked by -WE WERE SOLDIERS-
http://www.Freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1085111/posts
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Ah, But, alas, it is not “free” enough for the Bureaucratic Elites.
I agree. The issue is not that broadcasters are not responsive to local issues, so-called, but that there may well be broadcasters who are effectively subsidized and so they can broadcast whatever they want to. That would point directly to the PBS/NPR stations, none of which I listen to with any regularity at all because they broadcast nothing about what concerns me and presume to instruct me in how I should better think. To me, that is government-sponsored propaganda.
The sad thing is that, on the surface, it should be a good idea to ask the public what they want. But that never works out. It is always the power groups who are interested in securing exclusive use of the airwaves to broadcast their very narrow and even subversive views who attend these functions and thus can pose as being ‘spokespeople for the masses’.
What this proposal recommends will simply restore the ‘fairness doctrine’ and reimpose utter unfairness and single-issue advocacy as the prime meat from programming. That was what was keeping AM radio from being profitable at all.
I can’t believe that this is being promulgated by a Republican administration. It would be my guess that FCC commissioners have been advised by Congressional overseers that they mo’ bettah fix their attitude or Congress will bring in enforcers to make sure they understand who is in charge and who won’t put up with being disagreed with anymore.
OMG! What the hell is happening to our great Nation?
If Bush was a real conservative, then he would do something about this. This is insane.
Most Christian radio is’nt Christian.
done
This isn’t about ‘just’ Christian Radio, it’s the Marxist “FAIRNESS DOCTRINE” and it’s about Free Speech.
This might finish off radio as we once knew it. Now that HD radio is a reality, there won’t be any market for Christian radio, the audience will be thinned out like cable did to TV.
Abolish the FCC
I've ben follwing this story for the last few months. I've even written a letter to the editor.
Folks, if this thing goes through an awful lot of small town radio stations are going to end up going out of business leaving a lot folks without any access to vitally important life saving weather information and Amber Alerts.
Add to that the digital TV transition set to take place on February 17, 2009 and that is going to mean a lot of folks are going to end up in the dark with no access whatsoever to this important information.
Here in SW OK I have a portable battery powered digial TV set. I have tried reaching the local TV stations digital signal but with no luck whatsoever.
Let's hope common sense prevails and this NPRM is ditched by the FCC. We don't need these bureaucrats intruding between us and our radios and TV's.
Regards.......
Stop! You’re making me hungry.
Bush proved years ago that he is no Conservative. But of recent, he has been showing signs that he is no patriot either.
BTTT
Thanks The Spirit Of Allegiance,I know a few station owners.I will check with them on this.
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