Proposed Legislation: The News Integrity & Accountability Act
Section 1: Purpose and Findings (a) Purpose: This law seeks to restore the integrity of factual news reporting in cable news media outlets by ensuring that a substantial portion of their broadcast content is dedicated to unbiased, fact-based journalism, rather than commentary or opinion. The goal is to promote the public’s access to accurate information, thereby safeguarding the democratic process and protecting the American people’s right to be informed.
(b) Findings:
- It has been determined that a significant portion of cable news media programming currently consists of commentary, opinion, and political bias, rather than factual news reporting.
- Research indicates that between 50% and 80% of cable news programming today can be categorized as opinionated or propagandist content, often skewed toward specific political ideologies or parties.
- The American public’s access to unbiased, factual news is essential for an informed electorate and the preservation of democracy.
- Therefore, there is a compelling need for clear differentiation between opinion-based content and fact-based journalism in cable news media.
Section 2: Requirement for Factual Reporting (a) Definition of Factual News Reporting: For the purposes of this law, “factual news reporting” shall be defined as:
- Reporting that is based on verifiable facts, data, and evidence.
- Content that is free from personal commentary, opinion, or political bias.
- Reporting that adheres to established journalistic standards of objectivity and fairness.
(b) Content Requirements: All cable news networks shall be required to ensure that a minimum of 60% of their daily programming consists of factual news reporting, as defined in subsection (a).
Section 3: Designation and Classification of News Networks (a) Conditions for Designation as a “News Network”: Cable channels or networks that fail to meet the 60% factual news content threshold shall not be designated as “news networks” or “journalistic organizations.”
(b) Use of “News” or “Journalism” Label: Networks that do not meet the content requirement outlined in Section 2 shall be prohibited from identifying themselves as “news” outlets or “journalism” organizations, and may not use any similar terms that imply they are engaged in fact-based reporting.
Section 4: Access to Official Press Functions (a) Restriction on Access to Governmental Press Functions: Cable networks that fail to meet the factual content requirement shall not be granted access to official press facilities, including the White House Press Room, press briefings, or any other events and functions reserved for recognized members of the free press.
(b) Withdrawal of Privileges: Any network that violates this law shall be stripped of its status as part of the free press and shall lose any associated privileges, including but not limited to access to government press conferences, briefings, and other official communications channels.
Section 5: Enforcement and Penalties (a) Regulatory Authority: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) shall be empowered to enforce this law, oversee compliance, and investigate claims of violations.
(b) Penalties for Non-Compliance: Any cable news network found to be in violation of this law shall be subject to the following penalties:
- Immediate revocation of press credentials.
- Fines as determined by the FCC, scaled according to the severity and frequency of violations.
- Reclassification of the network’s status under federal guidelines, barring it from using “news” or “journalism” designations.