A few weeks ago I was feeling disgruntled, so I emailed the FCC regarding accountability for fraudulent/slanderous/libelous news reporting during the Florida "terror scare." I asked if there was any mechanism to discipline broadcast news channels for reporting information which is obviously fabricated. They replied to me today, saying this:

"Due to the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, the FCC's authority to control the content of programming is very limited. In general, the FCC's authority is limited to programming that is of a sexual nature. You may wish to contact the TV station to express your views about its programming."

What? So the first amendment is suspended when it comes to sex (and perhaps videotape), but not with resect to abusive lies which result in damage to the careers, liberties, and personal safety of innocents. Oh, and the 1st ammendment might also be suspended for someone who ends up on a "terror list." Thanks for clearing things up, FCC.