'Federal regulators are asking
scores of broadcasters whether they failed to tell viewers about the sponsors
behind corporate video releases presented as news, a practice criticized by
watchdog groups who say showing "fake news" is an illegal breach of trust with
local communities. The Federal Communications
Commission has issued 42 formal letters of inquiry to holders of 77 broadcast
licenses, the office of Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein said Monday.
"The public has a legal right to know who seeks to
persuade them so they can make up their own minds about the credibility of the
information presented," Adelstein said. "Shoddy practices make it difficult for
viewers to tell the difference between news and propaganda."'
