Number: RS20603
Title: NONCOMMERCIAL BROADCASTING FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION ACT OF 2000: SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND OF RELATED LEGAL ISSUES
Authors: Kevin B. Greely, American Law Division 
Abstract: On December 29, 1999, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released an order approving the license transfer of WQEX-a noncommercial educational television station-from WQED (the license holder) to Cornerstone Television, Inc., a broadcaster that engages primarily in religious programming. In approving the transfer, the FCC issued "additional guidance" on the educational programming requirements applicable to noncommercial educational (NCE) television licensees and concluded that "programming primarily devoted to religious exhortation, proselytizing, or statements of personally held religious views and beliefs generally would not qualify as 'general educational' programming." Amid a firestorm of complaints and criticism over the order, the FCC reconsidered and vacated the "additional guidance" on January 28, 2000.
Pages: 4
Date: Updated June 19, 2000