FEC Rules Bloggers Are Journalists

Lot 49 ^ | November 17, 2005 | Thomas Claburn

[Milhous]

The Federal Election Commission today issued an advisory opinion that finds the Fired Up network of blogs qualifies for the "press exemption" to federal campaign finance laws. The press exemption, as defined by Congress, is meant to assure "the unfettered right of the newspapers, TV networks, and other media to cover and comment on political campaigns." The full ruling is available at the FEC site. A noteworthy passage: "...an entity otherwise eligible for the press exception would not lose its eligibility merely because of a lack of objectivity..."

[Ultra Sonic 007]

Ping

[XEHRpa]

Excellent. Campaign finance laws is one area where I hope the law leaks like a sieve.

[BlessedByLiberty]

Will the little press pass have a picture of pajamas?

[standing united]

Well, there goes the leftist chance to regulate and shut down web bloggers. They wanted so bad to shut up Americans, so that the bloggers could no longer catch the left lying, and manufacturing documents, witnesses and stories to bring down a sitting "conservative" president!

Oh, I forgot, it is up to us the readers to find out if the documents they are using have been forged or not.

Bwaaaaa ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha bwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha

Good bye Dan Rather would'nt want to be ya!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[perfect stranger]

From the link---

The Commission concludes that the costs Fired Up incurs in covering or carrying news stories, commentary, or editorials on its websites are encompassed by the press exception, and therefore do not constitute "expenditures" or "contributions" under the Act and Commission regulations.

[Hoosier-Daddy]

Pardon me, but I am seeking redress as is my CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT, you pinheads.

[Pylot]

How nice to know the almighty FCC will allow us citizens to talk.

[mysterio]

It's a strange day when we can be excited that our free speech rights might not be infringed.

[Humidston]

I'm wondering if or how this will affect our use of copyrighted news stories on FR...

[LibertarianInExile]

"Thus, because Fired Up is a press entity, and neither it nor its websites are owned or controlled by any political party, political committee, or candidate, the costs Fired Up incurs in covering or carrying a news story, commentary, or editorial on its websites are exempt from the definitions of “contribution” and “expenditure.” The Commission notes that an entity otherwise eligible for the press exception would not lose its eligibility merely because of a lack of objectivity in a news story, commentary, or editorial, even if the news story, commentary, or editorial expressly advocates the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate for Federal office."

I suppose FR's lawyers might want to consider whether FR qualifies here, but it sounds good...

[perfect stranger]

http://www.firedupmissouri.com/whoweare

[ARCADIA]

Cool...the pajamahadeem has just been elevated to a profession.

[TomGuy]

network of blogs qualifies for the "press exemption"

Does that mean they can rely on 'anonymous sources' and be the blog of record?

[goodnesswins]

HEY...I WANT A PRESS PASS....NOW!!!!

[gov_bean_ counter]

Does that mean I have to start wearing a tie?

[Milhous]

http://www.firedupmissouri.com/whoweare

Ironic that a progressive site serves as the camels nose under the tent given Olds Media's proclivity for progressivism.

[Redbob]

So, when the GOP launches its own blog site, that's exempt from the McCain-Feingold limits on free speech?

Hmmm....

[taxesareforever]

Wait until the 9th circus hears about this. They'll twist themselves into a pretzel trying to find a way to counteract it.

[Redbob]

"Does that mean I have to start wearing a tie?"

What sort of tie DOES one wear with pajamas?
Oh my, this is something they just didn't cover at Amherst!