Despite this, the Obama Administration plans on putting monitors in the newsrooms of local media outlets throughout the nation. If this happens, it could mean the end of free speech and freedom of the press for Americans.
Selected are eight categories of “critical information” such as the “environment” and “economic opportunities,” that it believes local newscasters should cover. Station managers, news directors, journalists, television anchors and on-air reporters will have to tell the government about their “news philosophy” and how the station ensures that the community gets critical information.
Among the questions the Federal Communications Commission could be asking journalists: “Have you ever suggested coverage of what you consider a story with critical information for your [viewers, listeners or readers] that was rejected by management?” And “What was the reason given for the decision?”
Called the “Multi-Market Study of Critical Information Needs,” the FCC has a field test in Columbia, S.C., scheduled to begin this spring. Participation is voluntary, but remember, radio and TV stations would be out of business without a FCC license, which has to be renewed every eight years.
Meanwhile the ‘2014 World Press Freedom Index,’ puts the U.S. at 46, right behind Romania and down from last years ranking of 32. Is it any wonder?
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