WHAT IS NEWS?: THE FCC AND THE NEW BATTLE OVER THE REGULATION OF VIDEO NEWS RELEASES.

The article discusses issues regarding the regulation of video news releases (VNR) of the Federal Communications Commissions (FCC) in the U.S. It is stated that the government-compelled disclosure of the use of VNR-sourced information in newscasts raises complex issues concerning the scope of the first amendment freedom for broadcast journalists and the right of the public. Since the government faces problems in intruding on the editorial control and discretion of broadcast journalists, it is suggested that the government should first give principles of media ethics an opportunity to work before it punishes broadcasters. Moreover, it is averred that broadcast journalists must have the chance to respond to public disclosure of their practices through self-regulation.