Propaganda is one of the oldest tools in anyone's handbook. We've seen the good and the bad implementation of the tool, but it's a tool nonetheless. With so many streamers and TV channels out there, it can be hard to figure out who's behind the message of what you're watching. Now the FCC is stepping in to make sure you know, especially if those messages come from foreign sources. 

This is all happening now because of what we're seeing with Russian propaganda in regard to the war in Ukraine. After the United States has had to deal with its own epidemic of misinformation campaigns on social media, the FCC came forward to clarify what was going on. 

FCC chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said in a statement yesterday, “With the adoption of these rules, the FCC took action to bring more transparency to foreign government-sponsored programming airing on public airwaves. In light of recent events, this effort—which is all about transparency—has taken on new importance. It is essential that audiences know when a broadcast station has been compensated to air content coming from a foreign government.”

This week, the Federal Communications Commission voted to unanimously adopt the foreign sponsorship identification rules and to make them effective on March 15, 2022. That means channels and programs must tell the American public when a foreign government or its representatives are attempting to persuade them using a TV program.

As of right now, U.S. law forbids foreign governments and their representatives to have broadcast licenses, but they can lease time on airwaves. 

Keep an eye on what you're watching. 

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