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FEC Rules Bloggers Are Journalists

Posted by CowboyNeal on from the be-nice-to-them-too dept.

Dotnaught writes "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...'"

9 of 363 comments (clear)

  1. Obligatory "In Soviet Russia" comment... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny
    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.'


    In Soviet Russia, government decides who is a journalist and who is not.

    Oh wait...
  2. Re:Oh, the dictators in power by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    That's more of a reality show.

  3. Blogger no more. by Faux_Pseudo · · Score: 2, Funny

    I guess it is time for every person with a blog to update their resume. Journalist has a nice ring to it.

    --
    Ascii artist &
  4. Great by megrims · · Score: 2, Funny

    This is great. Now where's my press card?

  5. Write-offs?! by scott_karana · · Score: 2, Funny

    Does this mean I can write off my hosting and Movable Type?

  6. Jurnalist! by Brandybuck · · Score: 4, Funny

    Yestrday I could not spell jurnalist, now I are one!

    --
    Don't blame me, I didn't vote for either of them!
  7. You had it coming! by rdoger6424 · · Score: 2, Funny

    In soviet Cuba, Communists join YOU!

    That so needed to be done.

    --
    "Hello 911? I just tried to toast some bread, and the toaster grew an arm and stabbed me in the face!"
  8. Re:So everyone who has a blog is a journalist? by yelvington · · Score: 2, Funny
    So now anyone in the US that has a blog is considered a journalist?
    What kind of perks do you get when you're a journalist?


    That's easy. Low pay, bad hours, little job security, lots of crank phone calls, and predictable abuse from wingers of all stripes.
  9. Re:Always the geek. Running the numbers... by zippthorne · · Score: 2, Funny

    Al Jazeera.

    --
    Can you be Even More Awesome?!