The FCC Proposes to Expose Astroturf Through Ex Parte Reform
Free Press, July 29, 2011
By Chris Riley
The FCC's ex parte procedures allow companies, advocacy groups and real people to visit with FCC staff or write to the agency on important topics, provided they disclose publicly what was said in those meetings and filings. The ex parte process may seem obscure to most people, but these meetings have a significant impact on FCC decisionmaking. And, the FCC has a proposal on the table that -- if it's done right -- could help amplify the public's voice, while striking a major blow to corporate astroturf.
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