FCC to study public's information needs

The Federal Communications Commission is seeking to commission a study of the public's information needs so the agency can better meet its obligations.

The FCC issued a notice seeking quotations on Monday and a separate solicitation for additional study suggestions due no later than Feb. 27. The notice cites Section 257 of the Communications Act of 1934, which mandates the FCC report to Congress on barriers to entry in the telecom and media industries.

“I am extremely pleased with today’s announcement, as it falls squarely within the Commission’s duty to comply with the directives of Section 257 and in reporting about the actions it has taken to meet those directives," said Democratic Commissioner Mignon Clyburn.

"We are in need of more detail in describing how the Commission’s actions have fulfilled those purposes, and set forth, where appropriate, specific examples and data that support the conclusions found in past FCC reports."

Clyburn said the report demonstrates the FCC's commitment to gathering data to create policies that support the public interest. She said the agency must know if the current communications infrastructure is adequately informing the public about imminent natural disasters or terrorist threats.

"This type of inquiry should have been a fundamental aspect of the Federal Communications Commission’s policy strategy all along," Clyburn said.

"[T]he Commission must, at a minimum, know if the current structure of the communications industry is adequately providing Americans with the information they need to secure their health and welfare."

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