Fake news update

In response to public outcry against the use of fake video news segments the FCC issued a statement calling for the disclosure of the origin of all video news releases by broadcasters. The FCC cited a petition jointly circulated by Free Press and the Center for Democracy and Media which was signed by 40,000 citizens as impetus for the release.

The Congressional Government Accountablity Office had previously declared the administration's use of video news releases as illegal "covert propaganda," but the administration dismissed the GAO's charge when the Justice Dept. ruled that there was nothing wrong with the releases.

You can read more about the release at Freepress and the Center for Media and Democracy.

EDIT - Not sure how I missed it, but on the same day the Senate voted 98-0 to approve an amendment that prohibits all government agencies from using tax money to support prepackaged news releases unless the source of the releases are clearly identified.