The exclusion of Kucinich undermines the purpose of the Federal Communications Act

[news.omega]

Excerpt:

The exclusion of Kucinich undermines the purpose of the Federal
Communications Act ("Act") and is a blatant violation of the Act because
of the media's obligation to operate in the public interest. Section
315 of the Act (47 U.S.C. Section 315) specifically requires
broadcasters such as NBC "to operate in the public interest and to
afford reasonable opportunity for the discussion of conflicting views of
issues of public importance." NBC revised its criteria to specifically
exclude the diverse and anti-war voice of Kucinich and his grass-roots
supporters. This specific exclusion is further highlighted by the fact
that NBC has not provided Kucinich with any revised criteria.

The Debate is not a true presidential primary debate without including
all credible candidates, but instead is effectively an endorsement of
the candidates selected by NBC. In addition, if NBC is given the
liberty to designate every appearance with two candidates as "news,"
then no third candidate will have the ability to enforce the equal time
requirement, which is inconsistent with the intent of Congress in
enacting Section 315.

(Full PDF document attached)

/Informant: John Calvert/

[Omega Group]

Re-Hosts NBC Las Vegas Debate to Include Kucinich
http://www.democracynow.org/2008/1/16/breaking_the_sound_barrier_democracy_now


Informant: John Calvert