The FCC is considering a proposal to abolish the public file requirement for TV and radio broadcasters. Public files are the collections of public documents and public correspondence that all TV and radio broadcasters, by law, are required to keep, maintain, and make available to the public during normal business hours.

Why is this important? The public file is one of the few opportunities to confirm the seamier side of broadcasters, so it's little wonder why broadcasters don't want people to visit or know about them. A lot of ugly secrets are hidden in plain sight in a public file, if you know what to look for. Some are outlined in a letter sent to the FCC and reposted here:

www.chicagomediaaction.org/news.php

As Glenn Greenwald reminds us, "Secrecy is the crux of institutional power" (just ask Wikileaks), and anything to help reveal those secrets can help defuse that institutional power.

The FCC is actually on our side on this one, and has acted in the affirmative on this issue (even going so far as to fine stations that have neglected their own public files). Even a relatively few emails can make a difference. The last time the FCC had a docket on this matter, it got fewer than three dozen comments.

Please take a moment today to let the FCC know that public files are important and that the FCC should maintain the public file requirement for TV and radio broadcasters. Public comment on this matter will be accepted through June 17, 2011. You can send feedback via email to PRA (at) fcc.gov and Cathy.Williams (at) fcc.gov (and if you do, please copy Chicago Media Action in on your comments at cma (at) chicagomediaaction.org).

More information about public files are online at the websites of Chicago Media Action and DIYMedia.net:

www.chicagomediaaction.org/news.php

www.diymedia.net/archive/0411.htm