Full Disclosure Necessary

Further on the item below on the importance of transparency, Bulldog Reporter has the story today on a Federal Communications Commission proposal to fine Comcast $4,000 for airing a video news release promoting a sleep aid product without disclosing the name of the sponsor. Comcast was NOT paid to carry the video - but the FCC says it should have disclosed the video's sponsorship anyway.

Without getting into the legal tangle - for this is sure to be appealed - I think it does underscore the need for transparency, particularly when it comes to VNRs. I see absolutely nothing wrong with VNRs - as long as you tell me who paid for it. If I see a video about a new GM car, and I know that the video came from GM, I have a pretty good idea that I'm going to be seeing GM's side of the story. By the same token, if I see a critical video about a new GM car, and you tell me it came from an advocacy group, I know that I'm seeing a different - most likely equally one-sided - version of the story.

You tell me the story - and tell me where it came from - and let me decide. I really do think I'm smart enough to make that decision. Thanks.