FCC cracks down on 'fake news'
Owners of 77 TV stations queried on paid video stories
Tuesday, August 15, 2006

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Federal Communications Commission has mailed letters to the owners of 77 television stations inquiring about their use of video news releases, a type of programming critics refer to as "fake news."

Video news releases are packaged news stories that usually employ actors to portray reporters who are paid by commercial or government groups.

The letters were sparked by allegations that television stations have been airing the videos as part of their news programs without telling viewers who paid for them. the rest