Citizen Participation in Broadcast Licensing Before the FCC.

This report examines the public's role in determining the dimensions of the public interest in the regulation of broadcast services. Chapter II describes some of the avenues open to citizens to influence the Federal Communication Commission, including: (1) direct contact between broadcasters and citizens, (2) citizen participation in the Commission's rulemaking process, and (3) citizen involvement in the Commission's broadcast licensing activities. It also discusses allocation of citizen resources among the various avenues of participation. Chapter III focuses on two methods of participation which have gained popularity: petitions to deny and citizen settlements. These two methods have resulted in policy problems which are analyzed in Chapter IV. Chapter IV also critizes some commission policies and makes recommendations for additional or modified procedures. Chapter V examines and evaluates the application of "Proposed Agreements Rulemaking" to four cases and explores alternative grounds of decision. Chapter VI analyzes the final statement of Commission policy toward citizen settlement together with the "Reimbursement Report and Order." Chapter VII brings together major factors in the development of the Commission's policy and provides a set of recommendations for further research. Appendices reproduce portions of relevant documents and present an economic analysis of litigating a petition. (WBC)