FEC Rules Bloggers Are Journalists

Dotnaught writes "The Federal Election Commission today issued an advisory opinion that finds the Fired Up network of blogs qualifies for the 'press exemption' to federal campaign finance laws. The press exemption, as defined by Congress, is meant to assure 'the unfettered right of the newspapers, TV networks, and other media to cover and comment on political campaigns.' The full ruling is available at the FEC site. A noteworthy passage: '...an entity otherwise eligible for the press exception would not lose its eligibility merely because of a lack of objectivity...'"

So everyone who has a blog is a journalist?

[Anonymous Coward]

So now anyone in the US that has a blog is considered a journalist?

What kind of perks do you get when you're a journalist?

Obligatory "In Soviet Russia" comment...

[Anonymous Coward]

The Federal Election Commission today issued an advisory opinion that finds the Fired Up network of blogs qualifies for the 'press exemption' to federal campaign finance laws. The press exemption, as defined by Congress, is meant to assure 'the unfettered right of the newspapers, TV networks, and other media to cover and comment on political campaigns.'

In Soviet Russia, government decides who is a journalist and who is not.

Oh wait...

Re:Oh, the dictators in power

[Anonymous Coward]

That's more of a reality show.

Blogger no more.

[Faux_Pseudo]

I guess it is time for every person with a blog to update their resume. Journalist has a nice ring to it.

hive-minds

[NotQuiteReal]

I usually think of insects when I see hive-mind. Typically, I ignore insects, but I have nothing against poisoning them if they bug me.

Is that so wrong?

Great

[megrims]

This is great. Now where's my press card?

Write-offs?!

[scott_karana]

Does this mean I can write off my hosting and Movable Type?

Jurnalist!

[Brandybuck]

Yestrday I could not spell jurnalist, now I are one!

You had it coming!

[rdoger6424]

In soviet Cuba, Communists join YOU!

That so needed to be done.

Re:So everyone who has a blog is a journalist?

[yelvington]

So now anyone in the US that has a blog is considered a journalist?
What kind of perks do you get when you're a journalist?

That's easy. Low pay, bad hours, little job security, lots of crank phone calls, and predictable abuse from wingers of all stripes.

Re:Always the geek. Running the numbers...

[zippthorne]

Al Jazeera.