Abstract Examines the impact of the FederalTradeCommission's doctrine and its effects. Discusses the impact the FairnessDoctrine has had on society from a political, social, and legal perspective. Discusses the history of the FCC doctrine, and the purpose of the Doctrine in balancing views on controversial issues.
From the Paper "The Fairness Doctrine required broadcasters in television and radio, as a condition of getting their licenses from the FCC, to cover controversial issues within their community by offering some ..."
Abstract This paper explores the Federal Communications Commission. It begins with a brief history and the current structure of the Agency. The paper then discusses the functions of the Agency and the current problems and successes the Agency is experiencing. Lastly, it overviews the method of information dissemination for Agency, and the important information products available.
From the Paper "The Communications Act of 1934 established the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). This independent United States government agency is directly responsible to Congress, and is responsible for regulating interstate and international communications, including: radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable. The FCC has jurisdiction over all 50 states, the District of Columbia and American possessions ("About the FCC", 2006). The FCC was a replacement for the Federal Radio Commission, which was a temporary agency established in 1927. As mentioned, the FCC was created by the Communications Act of 1934, which was enacted by Congress on June 19th, 1934. It "consolidated, on a permanent basis, regulatory authority over all interstate broadcasting and wire communications, including telephone and telegraph" (Longley, 2006)."
Abstract This paper explains that the FTC acts as a watchdog to protect Americans from abuses otherwise possible in our free enterprise system; by preventing monopolies and price-fixing, the FTC encourages free trade and a fair marketplace. The author describes the case against the Wisconsin Chiropractic Association, which represent 90% of the chiropractors in Wisconsin, of conspiring to force health care providers to pay higher rates for chiropractic services than they had previously paid. The paper relates that the settlement forbids the WCA from participate any further in any kind of price fixing, as well as telling others to engage in price fixing.
From the Paper "Specific limits were placed on what the WCA could and could not do, including careful control of any surveys taken, since a survey had been used to help the conspiracy meet its goals. Specific protections were put in place to make it easier for the FTC to make sure the WCA complied with the terms of the agreement. It should be noted that the fact that the parties agreed to the FTC ruling did not mean that any individual acknowledged any actual guilt."
From the Paper The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has authority over much of consumers' daily lives, including the advertising consumers are exposed to and the rules and regulations governing credit cards. This research provides an overview of the FTC, including a short history of the Commission, its responsibilities and functions, the industries it regulates, and the Commission's role and effect on the credit card industry.
The Federal Trade Commission was founded in 1914 to maintain competitive enterprise in the American economic system. The FTC is charged with preventing the free enterprise system from being fettered by monopoly or restraints on trade, or corrupted by unfair or deceptive trade practices. Specifically, the Federal Trade commission Act prohibits the use in commerce of "unfair methods of competition" and "unfair or deceptive acts or ... "
Abstract This paper explains that the FairnessDoctrine was a law that balanced mass media information, allowing time and credibility to all sides of a given argument so that the listener would receive credible and reliable information. The author relates that, along with the new pioneers of broadcast journalism, advertising, and editorial commentary, the FairnessDoctrine came about in the mid-20th century as an extension of First Amendment rights, which remained in place for most of the latter half of the 20th century, but was revoked by the FCC in the early 1980s after long years of misunderstandings, political conflicts, and conflicting precedents in various court cases. The paper stresses that, although networks even advertise that their news is ?fair and balanced?, it is not; the FairnessDoctrine must be reinstated as an ethical broadcasting rule designed to provide controversial issues with a balanced presentation, not censorship.
From the Paper "The Fairness Doctrine is involved explicitly with radio and television
broadcasters, and states that there are responsibilities which these broadcasters must uphold to the public so that the information that the viewing and listening public receives is fair and balanced and opposing viewpoints get a chance to be presented. In essence, it is a measure of responsibility and accountability for the free press that is able to give counterarguments and provide a space for counterarguments regarding issues that are controversial and require a public forum so that the viewing and listening public can get a full cognizance of the issues being presented on both sides. Objectivity has always been a key tenet of journalism, but the achievement of objectivity is less clear and the Fairness Doctrine has responded to a need for clarity in this presentation by highlighting balanced reportage of issues that concern the public or may be political, controversial, or the subject of dis- or misinformation."
Abstract The U.S. "FairnessDoctrine" refers explicitly to radio and television broadcasters. It states that the information that the viewing and listening public receives should be fair and balanced and opposing viewpoints get a chance to be presented. This paper discusses what the "FairnessDoctrine" is, why it was discontinued and by whom. It presents several court cases that directly relate to it and why it is essential that the "FairnessDoctrine" be reinstated.
From the Paper "Opponents of the Fairness Doctrine argue that it unconstitutional because it violates the 1st Amendment by dictating what individualss can and cannot say. This is a weak claim and has been generally disregarded when looking at the Fairness Doctrine. The Doctrine in no way violates the 1st Amendment; if anything, it strengthens those rights by assuring the public a clear and informed knowledge base. Broadcasters are allowed to have opinions on issues and to broadcast those opinions, but what the Fairness Doctrine does is ensure that they also allow space for people to speak who have an opposition to their view."
Abstract This paper explains the FairnessDoctrine and charts its application over its forty year history. It also examines the relevant Supreme Court cases in relation to the Doctrine and looks at how two presidents embraced the doctrine and used it to actively curtail free speech. The party political argument from both the Democratic and the Republican parties is examined and explained, with criticisms being illustrated throughout the paper.
From the Paper "The Fairness Doctrine was first introduced at the beginning of anti-communist hysteria in the United States in 1949 and stated that opposing viewpoints on issues of controversy had to be presented in an equal manor, with equal time given to each viewpoint in the media. This rule however was not applied to newspapers, but only to the broadcast media outlets of television and radio. The doctrine was intended to enable a wider range of opinions to be aired, so that the public would be better informed about current events. The owners of radio and television stations were threatened with having their licences revoked or having to pay hefty fines if the rule was not stringently adhered to. "
Abstract This paper explains that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
is created, directed and empowered by the Congressional statute and is answerable only to the United States Congress; its responsibility is regulating the radio spectrum for the non-governmental use of radio and television broadcasting and all forms of telecommunication such as wireless, satellite, cable and the internet. The author points out that the FCC is criticized for being both too restrictive and permissive causing several hardships to the general public and to the service providers such as delaying the licensing of new projects thereby making the use of new technologies risky. The paper relates that a positive role played by the agency is safe guarding the societal interests controlling the use of electromagnetic waves, popularly known as radio spectrum, which have emerged as one of important secondary needs of the human society along with electricity and the motorcar.
Table of Contents
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Critical Analysis of the Functioning of FCC
Positive Aspects of FCC
Conclusion
From the Paper "The commission is governed by a group of five commissioners appointed by the President of the United States and approved by the senate for a five-year term. One of the commissioners, nominated by the President officiates as the Chirman of the commission. Ten staff Offices and six operating Bureaus under the overall supervision of the office of the Managing Director, assist the commissioners in executing the responsibilities like processing of applications for licenses and other filings, analyzing complaints, conducting investigations, developing and implementing regulatory programs, and taking part in hearings based on judicial disputes arising in the use of radio spectrum."
Abstract The paper's author contends that the global warming crisis and skyrocketing energy costs are causing businesses of all types to look for more cost-efficient methods of doing business. The writer continues and states that a growing number of companies have benefited from incorporating environmentally responsible systems into their operations. The writer then provides an overview of so-called "green", i.e. environmentally friendly, product labeling and marketing techniques, including recent FederalTradeCommission policies and actions concerning "green marketing claims" and "green labeling"; the ISO 14020 series that covers eco-labeling; and "green washing". A summary of the essential factors about the core elements of these issues and important findings is presented in the conclusion.
Outline:
Introduction.
Review and Discussion.
FederalTradeCommission Recent Policies/Actions on "Green Marketing Claims/Green Labeling Techniques.
ISO 14020 Series.
Green Washing.
Conclusion.
References.
From the Paper "As noted above, there are a number of benefits that accrue to green business practices that extend far beyond the immediate cost savings that might be realized through their use. One of the more important of these is the increased consumer demand that can be generated by promoting a company's products as being environmentally friendly. For instance, according to Fimbel, Grajel, and Robinson (2001), "Logging companies may be persuaded to comply with conservation measures associated with paying a conservation bond, if consumer demand for green-labeled timber was sufficient to significantly alter their profit margins" (p. 395). This author adds, though, that the results of a recent study also found that although several logging companies in Central and South America improved their market positions by selling certified wood, there was no evidence that timber purchasers were willing to pay substantially higher prices for certified timber (Fimbel et al.). This trend is being evinced in the European Union as well, where environmentally conscious consumers may elect to purchase a green labeled product over one that is not, all other things being equal. In this regard, Fagotto and Graham recently reported that, "The British government recently unveiled a plan to develop standard metrics for greenhouse gas emissions of products and services as a first step towards a green labeling system that would guide consumers' and businesses' choices" (p. 73)."
Tags: enviroment, global warming, green business companies incentives federaltrade iso product labeling investment, carbon emissions, ecology
Abstract The paper analyzes the book, which looks at the U.S. government's involvement in the tobacco industry. It discusses shifts in policy making with regard to tobacco and the influence and power of the tobacco industry to fight anti-smoking policies. The effect of federalism on product regulation is discussed, as is the release of the report by the Surgeon General, Luther Terry, in 1964; claiming smoking as a health risk. The FederalTradeCommission's role in regulating cigarettes is looked at and the interference of politics in neutral, scientific, and impartial regulation is raised. The paper concludes with recommendations for the future, such as the rationalization of public policy and the monitoring of policy changes.
From the Paper "The tobacco issue has been a difficult one in the American political system from the beginning of tobacco as a cash crop. The issue has become even more complex in recent years, with one arm of the government offering subsidies and other support to tobacco growers while another is challenging the health risks involved and still another is seeking legal redress. The government has for some time in effect been on both sides of the issue at the same time. Many of the reasons for this can be found in the book Smoking and Politics: Policy Making and the Federal Bureaucracy by A. Lee Fritschler and James M. Hoefler, most recently in its 5th Edition as the authors update their analysis every few years."
Abstract This paper examines various economic policies of the U.S. federal government. It deals specifically with monetary policy, antitrust policy, regulatory policy and import quotas--looking at what some of the government policies have been, why they were formulated and how well they have succeeded in producing their intended effects.
Outline
I. Monetary Policy
A. Federal Reserve
1. History
2. Purpose
3. Policy
4. Effects
II. Antitrust Policy
A. Purpose
B. Sherman Act
C. FederalTradeCommission Act
D. Clayton Act
E. FederalTradeCommission F. Effects
III. Regulatory Policy
A. Purpose
B. Interstate Commerce Act
C. Interstate Commerce Commission D. Effects
IV. Import Quotas
A. Purpose
B. International TradeCommission C. Television Imports
D. Steel Imports
E. Effects
From the Paper "In 1977, in response to a petition filed with the ITC by the electronics industry, the U.S. set a quota on the number of television sets that could be imported from Japan (Canto 74). Although imported sets from Japan fell, imported sets from Taiwan and Korea rose to the point that total imports of televisions was unchanged; the U.S. response was to impose quotas on those countries as well (Canto 75). The net result was a negligible impact on the U.S. economy, because while imports of whole sets declined, imports of television parts rose sharply as foreign sets were assembled in the U.S. (Canto 77-80)."
Abstract This paper examines how fairtrade chocolate is supposed to give growers and workers of the cocoa bean a better wage than that paid by the international cartels of chocolate buyers. It also explains how fairtrade chocolate could help alleviate the the problem of the millions of hungry and starving poor that exist in the world in spite of the abundance of food. Additionally, the paper presents a history of fairtrade chocolate and how it contributes to the concept of sustainability.
From the Paper "It is likely that more people are familiar with the term Fair Trade Coffee, simply because major coffee house chains have begun promoting their organic fair-trade brews. When most people think of chocolate, it is more likely to be a foil-wrapped mass-market candy bar, perhaps a Kit Kat, that is wolfed down to quiet hunger pangs without a thought to the plight of the people who produced the chocolate. As there are no trendy, global chain 'chocolate houses,' there is no monolithic commercial avenue through which to either purvey fair trade chocolate, or make its advantages known."
Abstract This paper discusses, summarizes and analyzes "McConnel v. Federal Election Commission", which has its roots in twentieth century campaign reform. The paper explains that the Supreme Court was split on its interpretation of "McConnel v. Federal Election Commission" and that it was a division clearly defined by priorities of protection - protecting either the sanctity of the elections that allow for the government to run, or the system of laws that allow for the execution it provides.
From the Paper "The judicial branch has a long taken responsibility for judging the constitutional viability of congressional acts to curb the corruption capable in campaigns, recognizing that their review standard needed to not only meet the absolute doctrinal lines, but the spirit behind them that guides the country; id est, the Supreme Court is responsible for insuring that while Congress tries to regulate their own elections, they do not under-regulate to the point that it might be possible for corruption to exist or even seem to exist and they do not over-regulate to the point that the basic freedoms provided to those tax paying, election-contributing constituents are not suppressed."
Abstract This paper looks at the problems caused by large volumes of unwanted email on the internet. It discusses the economic ramifications and legal issues involved. FederalTradeCommission recommendations are examined and seen as a serious annoyance to internet users.
From the Paper "re you sick and tired of junk e-mail filling your inbox and wasting your time? Do you want to do something about it? The boundless, dreadful Spam monster must be stopped, and you can help. This is how a typical day starts for me. While sipping the morning coffee in front of my PC at home or work, I get an uneasy feeling that I am only a mouse click away to viewing something I do not want to see. My password is entered and there they are, four advertising e-mails trying to sell a product, service, or a promise to make me rich. The junk e-mail is called UCE (Unsolicited Commercial E-mail); a.k.a. "Spam", but has nothing to do with the luncheon meat product we all love or hate."
Abstract The writer of this paper reviews the events surrounding the FederalTradeCommission and the ruling that requires warning labels on the packages. By examining the book, the paper considers whether the labeling on packages is an effective deterrent or simply a waste of time and money.
From the Paper "The dangers of smoking tobacco are no secret. It is promoted in schools, it is advertised on billboards, and it is shown by the refusal to allow tobacco ads on television. There are many ways of warning the public about the dangers of smoking but one of the most strong warnings can be found on the side of each and every package of cigarettes sold in America(Fritschler, 1995). The warning is a federally mandated warning and it is strong and comes straight from the Surgeon General's office. It is a warning meant to dissuade smokers from the habit and was only ordered after strong opposition from the tobacco industry failed to stop it(MINIMAL CLINICAL INTERVENTIONS http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/sgr/sgr_2000/factsheets/factsheet_labels.htm). The policy to place the warning on the side of tobacco product packages was put in place after years of arguments between the policy makers and the tobacco industry lobbyists. The warnings were put into place through a series of policy decisions."
