FCC Adopts New Foreign Sponsorship Identification Rules

In late April 2021, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted new rules that require on-air programming sponsored or furnished by a foreign government to contain a disclosure statement noting the foreign government sponsorship and identifying the foreign country involved. While U.S. law bars foreign governments from holding broadcast licenses directly, there are no limitations on their ability to enter into agreements with licensees to air programming. Much like the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), the new FCC rules seek to ensure that audiences are aware when a foreign government seeks to influence the U.S. public. At the same time, the new rules go beyond similar disclosure requirements in FARA and place a significant diligence burden on U.S. broadcasters.