Chisholm v. Federal Communications Commission

In the recent past the Federal Communications Commission has repeatedly urged Congress to amend or repeal the “equal time” provision contained in Section 315 of the Communications Act.1 The Commis*19sion’s recommendation is based on its conclusion that Section 315, including the 1959 amendment, prevents the American people from receiving adequate broadcast coverage of political campaigns.2 Congress, however, has not acted.

There is no indication that Congress’ failure to act on the Commission’s recommendations with respect to Section 315 is an inadvertence. From the very beginning of broadcasting…