The FCC proceeding GN Docket No. 10-25, “Examination of the Future of Media and Information Needs of Communities in a Digital Age” is attracting comment, but few will be as succinct and elegant as that submitted by the Media Institute. The watchdog simply asks the FCC to bear in mind a brief passage written back in the 18th Century.
You will no doubt recognize it. So without further ado, here is the gist of the Media Institute filing, which it asks the FCC to bear in mind as it moves through the proceeding.
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
For those who nodded off during middle school civics classes, that is the First Amendment – and the Media Institute is absolutely correct in warning the FCC off of any policies which would in any way trample on it.
