Media Contact: 
Janice Wise, (202) 418-8165
janice.wise@fcc.gov

For Immediate Release

FCC AMENDS SPONSORSHIP IDENTIFICATION RULES TO REQUIRE DISCLOSURES OF FOREIGN GOVERNMENT-PROVIDED PROGRAMMING ON BROADCAST STATIONS
Action Helps Ensure Americans Know When Broadcast Programming They Are Watching or Listening to Comes From a Foreign Source
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WASHINGTON, April 22, 2021—The Federal Communications Commission today adopted new sponsorship identification requirements to require broadcasters to disclose when foreign governments or their representatives lease time on their airwaves.  The Order increases transparency, ensuring audiences are aware when a foreign government, or its representatives, uses the airwaves to persuade the American public. 

Although U.S. law restricts foreign governments and their representatives from holding a broadcast license directly, foreign governmental entities are increasingly purchasing time on domestic broadcast stations. The rules adopted today update the Commission’s sponsorship identification rules that have been in existence for over six decades.  Specifically, the Order requires disclosure for broadcast programming aired through a leased airtime agreement sponsored by any entity or individual that is a foreign government, a foreign political party, an agent acting on behalf of such entities, or a U.S.-based foreign media outlet based on definitions drawn from the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938 and the Communications Act of 1934. 

The Order also adopts a requirement that a station airing foreign government-provided programming pursuant to a lease agreement must include such disclosures in its Online Public Inspection File. 

Action by the Commission April 22, 2021 by Report and Order (FCC 21-42).  Acting Chairwoman Rosenworcel, Commissioners Carr, Starks, and Simington approving.  Acting Chairwoman Rosenworcel and Starks issuing separate statements.

MB Docket No. 20-299

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Media Relations: (202) 418-0500 / ASL: (844) 432-2275 / Twitter: @FCC / www.fcc.gov 

This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action.  See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).