[Cyber Liberty]

I would guess CNN has some sort of broadcast license...

You would be wrong. CNN is cable, not broadcast.

[In Maryland]

"I would guess CNN has some sort of broadcast license...

You would be wrong. CNN is cable, not broadcast.

CNN still requires a federal license because their signal is distributed via satellite to cable providers nationwide (though, technically, that is not a broadcast license).

From the FCC website: "The Communications Act requires a license for any commercial communications transmitted via satellite to, from and within the United States. Satellite transmission involves both a space station and an earth station to complete the transmission link. Thus, the commission licenses both space stations and earth stations."

[katana]

I am aware they are a cable network. And I not sure whether or not are licensed to operate under FCC regulations and a license, hence the "guess". But you prompted me to look into it a bit deeper and I did find the following general description of the functions and authority of the FCC:

"The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates most forms of electronic transmission in the United States, including radio, airborne TV, cable and wireless. All of these require licensing of some sort come pursuant to criteria determined by the FCC and legislators."

So I think the question is an open one and not as cut and dried as one might assume. Anyway, the filing of a complaint might still be warranted (maybe with the FEC) since by e-mailing rumor and gossip to selected members of a political party (not broadcast as "news") it seems to be an attempt by a news network to covertly sway a State primary election result. That was my only point.