FCC Rule Endangers Rush Limbaugh, Talk Radio

FCC Rule Endangers Rush Limbaugh, Talk Radio

SPRINGFIELD, Va., May 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- English First warned fans of Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Dr. James Dobson and other syndicated talk shows that a proposed FCC regulation would drive their favorite programs off the air.

On January 24, 2008, the FCC published a "Notice of Proposed Rulemaking" in the Federal Register which, if ultimately adopted, would impose a back-door version of the discredited "Fairness Doctrine" upon America's airwaves.

The FCC's proposed regulations claim that radio station "programming -- particularly network programming - often is not sufficiently culturally diverse" and that the FCC seeks "to ensure that broadcasters serve their communities, especially traditionally underserved audiences," such as non-English speakers, whether or not these people actually exist.

The FCC's proposed regulations also suggest a new requirement that all "licensees should convene and consult with permanent advisory boards."

These advisory boards "should include representatives of all segments of the community," a requirement which would empower self-appointed "community leaders," such as representatives of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) or the Center for American Islamic Relations (CAIR), to discourage commercial radio stations from airing discussions of controversial matters such as the costs of illegal immigration or the meaning of jihad.

English First has established a web site, http://www.keeprushontheair.com/, containing the relevant FCC documents and a citizen's petition to the FCC. The deadline for FCC reply comments is June 11, 2008.

English First Executive Director Jim Boulet, Jr., is available for
interviews on this issue. Contact Stacy Woods at 321-8818 to arrange an
interview.
First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: English First

CONTACT: Stacy Woods of English First, +1-703-321-8818

Web Site:

http://www.englishfirst.org/
http://www.keeprushontheair.com/

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