Source: https://csrl.org/model-laws/audience-network/
Timestamp: 2019-04-22 18:43:24+00:00

Document:
Section 2. Purposes of the Corporation.
Section 3. Statement of Legislative Intent.
Section 5. Creation of the Corporation.
Section 6. Incorporation of Audience Network.
Section 7. Duties, Rights and Powers.
Section 8. Representation of Citiens in Commission Proceedings.
(a) Notification of Impending Proceedings.
(b) Intervention and Participation in Proceedings.
(c) Conduct of the Proceeding.
Section 10. Representation of Members in Lawsuits.
(a) Modification of Existing Licenses; Frequency-sharing.
(b) New Licenses; Less Than Full-Time Stations.
(c) Applicable Laws and Regulations.
(e) Access to broadcast facilities.
(f) Use of Radio Time by Audience Network.
(g) Use of Television Time by Audience Network.
Section 12. Funding the Corporation.
(a) Election and term of office.
(c) Meetings of the Board.
(f) Recall and Special Elections.
Section 15. Duties; Special Duties of Directors.
(b) Special Duties of the Interim Directors.
Section 16. Director Statement of Financial Interest.
Section 17. Executive Director Qualifications.
Section 19. Duties of Delegates.
Section 20. Election of Delegates and Directors.
(d) Statement of financial interests.
(e) Statement of personal background and positions.
(h) Installation of elected candidates.
(b) Term of office and Removal from office.
(c) Duties and powers of Officers.
Section 24. Corrupt Practices and Conflicts of Interest.
Section 26. Construction of this Act.
This Act may be cited as the Audience Network Act.
preceding the legislative history. They will aid in subsequent judicial and administrative interpretation of the Act.
other subjects of social justice and enlightenment for dissemination to the general public.
any of its activities are carried on.
charitable or educational within the meaning of Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Code.
(d) The Corporation shall never be operated for the primary purpose of carrying on a trade or business for profit.
benefit of any private individual.
(5) The Corporation shall not make any taxable expenditures as defined in Section 4945(d) of the IRS Code.
elections with thorough financial disclosure requirements and campaign finance limitations.
broadcast consumers may voluntarily contribute to the organization.
(a) “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Corporation.
(b) “Broadcast consumers” means individual persons who are residents or citizens of the United States and who view and/or listen to television and/or radio.
which engage in broadcasting by means of A.M. or F.M. radio, or U.H.F. or V.H.F. television.
(d) “Broadcast equipment” means equipment used for the transmission and reception of radio or television, regulated by the Commission.
exceed $100.00 for any election.
excessive use of the subsection 4(e)(3) exclusion is made unlikely by the $100.000 limitation per individual supporter on such unrecorded donations.
behalf of any candidate does not exceed $100.00 for any election.
(g) “Commission” means the Federal Communications Commission.
(h) “Corporation” means Audience Network.
(i) “Delegate” means any person serving as Delegate under the provisions of Sections 18, 19 and 20 of this Act.
(j) “Director” means any person serving on the Board of Directors of the Corporation under the provisions of Sections 14, 15 and 20 of this Act.
(k) “District” means a Corporation District, the boundaries of which are congruent with the boundaries of the congressional districts in each state.
(l) “Immediate family” means a person’s spouse and legal dependents.
(m) “Member” means any person who satisfies the requirements for membership under Section 5(b) of this Act.
on matters that affect the interests of broadcast consumers.
(o) “Public body” means a governmental office, agency, department, or commission at the federal, state or local level.
industry, activity or subject matter.
that any person may resign from membership.
opportunity to participate in public affairs.
opportunity to join Audience Network.
required to receive a fee waiver.
The Corporation, in its Bylaws, may wish to include procedures and criteria for membership revocation for abuses of the privileges of membership.
least $9,000,000 within six years of the effective date of this Act, the Corporation shall be dissolved.
position, or hold official local, state or federal government office.
are in conformity with the provisions of this Act.
minority and female audiences and the general public. Such inclusion is a primary objective of the Communications Act and the First Amendment.
under the provisions of this Act shall be directed toward these goals.
the airwaves, and information on other issues relating to broadcasting which the Corporation deems is in the interest of the membership.
Comment: This provision facilitates funding by voluntary contributions. In addition, this provision assures that Audience Network will be primarily an educational entity.
participating in other partisan activities. These restrictions will insure the non-partisan, educational nature of Audience Network.
chapters with appropriate financial, technical and other assistance.
chapters are essential to efficiently plan and implement production ideas and to promote sharing of desired programs.
upon, non-profit corporations under the laws of the District of Columbia.
the powers of the Corporation.
and public information activities concerning the interests of broadcast consumers.
Audience Network in particular. Further, Audience Network could use the information gathered to educate citizens and members thereby insuring fully informed decision-making on the part of the membership regarding Audience Network activities.
or her immediate family, shall either directly or indirectly, be employed for compensation as a staff member or consultant of the Corporation.
wages actually lost up to $160 a day and expenses necessarily incurred by them in the performance of their duties.
(5) To intervene as a party or otherwise participate on behalf of broadcast consumers in any proceeding which affects the interests of broadcast consumers.
response, the Corporation will promptly inform the consumer of it.
applicable laws or Commission rules regarding political candidate access.
may voluntarily grant, exchange or sell air time to the Corporation.
to Section 15 (b)(7). The identification requirements of Section 11(d) will prevent any confusion as to who is broadcasting when the schedule is altered.
a certain percentage of air time be reserved for local access time so long as there is enough demand to fill it.
The provisions of Section 11 would apply to any air time re-allocated between Audience Network and any broadcast enterprise under this provision.
effective representation of the interests of broadcast consumers and for the facilitation of public access to the airwaves.
Section 8. Representation of Citizens in Commission Proceedings.
the interests of broadcast consumers. The Commission shall notify the Corporation within five days after the scheduled date of the proceeding is fixed.
the proceeding under subsection (b), infra, and may seek judicial review of the Commission’s decision under Section 9, infra.
Corporation reasonably determines may affect the interests of broadcast consumers.
operate in the public interest.
intervention would be a final judgment appealable to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
the laws of the United States, the regulations of the Commission or other regulatory or public body, except as otherwise provided in this Act.
Comment: This provision essentially ensures Audience Network use of agency procedures.
reasonably appropriate for prosecution of an action.
this Section shall reimburse the Corporation for its expenses in prosecution of the action.
of any decision made by the Commission, or any other regulatory or public body, which the Corporation determines may affect the interests of broadcast consumers.
seek review of administrative actions in the communications law arena.
in current broadcast laws and regulations.
advantages or disadvantages from accruing to any licensee.
pf 47 U.S.C. S307(d) and (e). Audience Network shall be considered a broadcast licensee subject to all other relevant provisions of the Communications Act.
(2) For purposes of regulation by the Commission Audience Network licenses granted pursuant to this Act shall be considered non-commercial.
addition, if the Fairness Doctrine should ever be reinstituted, it too would be applicable to Audience Network.
identify itself and its broadcasts.
will be liable for their statements.
logo or special identifying mark appear on the screen periodically during Audience Network broadcasts.
incurred for use of the transmission facilities. The Commission shall establish the proper sanctions for failure to provide such access.
liable for any damage to station property (or other torts for which it is responsible) under applicable state laws.
remove all economic barriers to broadcast speech.
exceeds the demand for local access time, the excess local access time shall revert to the use of the Corporation.
particularly suited for local access because radio programing is less expensive than television programming.
(2) Local access time will be managed by the local chapter according to the guidelines established by Delegates pursuant to Section 19(d).
local use. Where the supply of local air time exceeds the demand for local air time, the excess local air time shall revert to the use of the Corporation.
not being accurately or completely covered by the commercial networks, and it is one of the ways that any independent message can reach a national audience.
more opportunities for direct participation of citizens in local issues.
national and local levels. Delegates shall use the written and/or video survey provided by the Corporation to ascertain member’s national programming preferences.
questions broadcast during Audience Network air time encouraging members to respond by telephone or mail.
— A “write-in” or “other” provision to encourage viewers to submit their own imaginative ideas.
on the results of the surveys required by Section 11(g)(3).
Network’s local television broadcast time based on the results of the surveys required by Section 11(g)(3).
any option which receives the support of at least 20 percent of those surveyed will receive at least 20 percent of the relative air time.
time. This summary shall be made available to anyone upon request.
organizations using local access time may be liable.
(a) Audience Network shall be funded by voluntary individual contributions, involving no compulsory burden whatsoever on the taxpayers of the United States.
Network air time to stations, pursuant to Section 7(c)(8).
or by receiving a fee waiver under the rules set out by the Interim Board as required by Section 15(b)(6).
Comment: See comment Section 5(b), supra.
(c) An individual may contribute to the Corporation by sending a payment to any office of the Corporation.
Comment: The $10.00 membership fee is for each individual as opposed to families or other groups.
person who contributes to the Corporation or participates in any of its activities, in retaliation for such contribution or participation.
(b) No person may prevent, interfere with, or hinder the activities described in this Act.
those not directly involved in official business of Audience Network.
6(a) shall end when the first elected Directors are installed in office. No Director shall serve for more than two consecutive terms.
turnover of Audience Network leadership thereby combating tendencies toward bureaucratic stagnation.
full three year term. The Directors shall draw lots upon their installation in office to determine the length of their terms.
Directors shall meet the qualifications for Candidates set forth in Section 20 (b) of this Act.
Directors present shall determine any question. If the vote is a tie vote, the question shall fail.
(2) All meetings of the Board shall be open to the public. Complete minutes of the meetings shall be kept and distributed to all depository libraries in the United States.
such standard allowances in the annual report under Section 15(a)(4)(D).
Comment: This provision precludes the employment by Audience Network of its Directors to perform services on a paid basis.
Directors and employees eligible to disburse funds shall be bonded. The cost of such bonds shall be paid by the Corporation.
days before the date of filing.
the recalled Director. An election following recall shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions of Section 20 with respect to election of Directors.
period of time within which to establish a review able performance record.
among those nominated. The nominee with the most votes shall be declared elected. The successor shall be installed in office by the President of the Board.
Corporation has the authority to perform under this chapter.
(H) To exercise such other powers and perform such other duties as the Board delegates to him or her.
or her duties, a relatively activist Board can simultaneously oversee such activities thereby preserving strict accountability to the members of the Corporation.
(3) To hold an annual meeting of the Delegates on a date and at a place in the United States to be determined by the Board under Section 18(b)(1).
(E) An annual report on the past and projected activities and policies of the Corporation. The Board shall present the report to the Delegates at the annual meeting.
(8) To consider for approval each Delegate’s proposed plan for the organization of local and regional chapters pursuant to Section 19(d).
(10) To publicize the activities of the Corporation under Section 7(a)(2).
(11) To carry out all other duties and responsibilities imposed upon the Corporation and the Board under this chapter.
(6) Establish and implement guidelines regarding the waiver of the membership fee for low-income citizens.
sell the remaining air time pursuant to Section 7(c)(8).
(8) Make quarterly reports to Congress on Interim Board activities.
Network as required in this Act.
Every Director shall file annually with the Board a current financial statement which includes the information required under Section 20(d).
Comment: This provision is to ensure full and continuing disclosure so that the membership may at all times be aware of potential conflicts of interest.
Executive Director. The Executive Director may be removed from office at any time by 2/3 vote of the Officers or by a majority vote of all Directors.
notice shall be distributed at least 30 days prior to any deadline set for applications for the position.
(3) Adhere to any applicable state or federal law prohibiting discrimination in employment.
(c) The Board shall require all applicants for the position of Executive Director to file a financial statement which includes the information required under Section 20 (d).
The Board shall require the Executive Director to file a current statement annually.
District is located. The term of office of Delegates shall be three years. No Delegate shall serve more than two consecutive terms.
Delegate shall have one vote at such meetings.
petition must be filed with the Board not less than five days and not more than four months in advance of the date of such meeting.
suggestions concerning the Corporation, but Members may not vote at such meetings.
(6) Complete minutes of the annual meetings shall be kept and distributed to all depository libraries in the United States.
(3) The conduct of special meetings shall be governed by the provisions of subsection (b) of this Section.
(4) Complete minutes of the special meetings shall be kept and distributed to all depository libraries in the United States.
continue to serve until the installment in office of his or her successor.
campaign as provided in Section 20. A newly elected Delegate is given six (6) months “immunity” from recall to establish a review able performance record.
successor shall be installed by the President of the Board.
(g) To carry out all other duties and exercise all other powers accorded to Delegates under this Act.
less than four months in advance by the Board.
Comment: This provision is designed to allow Audience Network to organize and commence its activities and to build up a broad-based membership before its first election.
Audience Network should initially accumulate sufficient funds to pay for the election and begin its programming and representation activities.
equipment, or any member of the immediate family of any such individual shall be eligible to become a Delegate or Director.
(5) Make the affirmation prescribed in subsection (f)(4) of this Section.
one (1) percent of the members of his or her District and an affirmation, subject to penalty of disqualification, that all signatures are valid.
requirement impose overly burdensome obstacles to candidacy, the Board could reduce the required percentage.
(2) The Board, upon receipt of the petition and affirmation, shall certify the nomination of the Candidate.
form approved by the Board.
(D) An affirmation, subject to the penalty of disqualification from election, that the information contained in the statement of financial interests is true and complete.
although insufficient to bar a person from candidacy under Section 20 (b), voters might wish to consider when making their selection.
14(b) and is a resident of the District which he or she seeks to represent.
be responsive to the views of their constituencies.
(1) Candidates for Delegate or Director may only accept campaign contributions from Audience Network Members.
election through the date of the election.
(3) Campaign expenditures by Candidate shall be limited to $50.00 per Member per District but may not exceed $10,000 in any election cycle.
the date of the election.
any member or employee of the Corporation.
Directors, and shall affirm to the Board, subject to penalty of disqualification, that he or she has fully complied with the requirements of subsection (f) of this Section.
(C) Each Candidate’s statement of personal background and positions.
(4) The Board shall tally votes with all reasonable speed and shall inform the membership promptly of the names of the Candidates elected.
(5) In each District, the Candidate for Delegate with the most votes shall be declared elected. The 21 Candidates with the most votes for Director shall be declared elected.
The Board may prescribe rules for the conduct of elections and election campaigns not inconsistent with this Act.
(3) The Member requesting access pay for mailing and package costs incurred by the Corporation.
(5) Communication with the membership by a Member seeking to qualify as a Candidate for Delegate or Director.
have the power to elect a Comptroller and such other officers as it deems necessary.
(2) When an Officer dies, resigns, is removed, or otherwise vacates his or her office, the Board shall elect a successor to serve out such Officer’s term of office.
exclusively delegated to some other Officer or agent of the Corporation.
with the Act) and shall be those customarily exercised by Corporation Officers holding such offices.
change the registered agent and registered office of the Corporation.
supervision and control of all of the affairs of the Corporation in accordance with any policies and directives approved by the President.
Board may give authority to any Officer to affix the seal of the Corporation and to attest the affixing by his or her signature.
name of the Corporation in such depositories as shall be selected by the Board.
its regular meetings or when the Board so requires.
(3) A majority of the Delegates vote to place an issue before the membership for a vote.
schedule a date for a vote on the issue to be held within two months after receipt of the certification or petition.
ballot containing the issue for membership vote.
balloting pursuant to subsection (b) of this Section.
(4) The Board shall tally votes with all reasonable speed and shall inform the membership and Delegates promptly of the outcome of the vote.
equipment, except as otherwise provided in this Act.
enterprise or establishment that manufactures, distributes, sells, leases, or services broadcast equipment.
(d) The office of a Director or Delegate found in violation of subsection (a) or (b) shall be declared vacant.
or provision for payment of all liabilities of the Corporation shall be distributed to, and only to, one or more organizations described in Section 501 (c)(3) of the IRS Code.
4945 (d) of the IRS code).
The Corporation may dissolve or be dissolved under the Model nonprofit Corporation Act (19) to the extent consistent with this Act.
consumers of the United States.
or to affect its discretion, to permit intervention or participation of any person in any proceeding or action.
protect their interests as they are at present.
If any provision of this Act shall be declared unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions shall remain in effect notwithstanding.
This Act shall become effective on the date of its adoption.
13 Harv. J. on Leg. 235 (1976).
2. . 5 American Landmark Legislation 440 (Sloan, ed. 1977).
3. 2 U.S.C. S431(f) (Supp. 1975).
4. 2 U.S.C. S431(e) (Supp. 1975).
5. DC Code Ann Sections 29-501 to 29-599.14.
6. 26 U.S.C.A. S501 et seq.
1971, 47 F.C.C. 2d 516, 516 n. 1 (1974). Advertising rates set by the radio stations could be used as a guide in defining the hours to be included in the “drive time” period.
airing of this issue will take place during Congressional hearings.
11. Red Lion Broadcasting Co. v. FCC, 395 U.S. 367, 390-91 (1969).
12. See Loyola University v. F.C.C., 670 F.2d 1222 (D.C. Cir. 1982); Great Lakes Broadcasting Co. v. Federal Radio Commission, 37 F.2d 993 (D.C. Cir. 1930).
See also Goodwill Stations Inc. v. F.C.C., 325 F.2d 637 (D.C. Cir. 1963).
defamatory statements made in such a speech.
violated this provision because science is an element of the offense. U.S. v. Smith, 467 F.2d 1126, 1129-30 (7th Cir. 1972). See also Tallman v. U.S. 465 F.2d 282 (7th Cir.
offensive language. The broadcast licensee would face no problems under state obscenity laws because state regulation of this area is pre-empted by S 1464. Allen B.
Dumont Laboratories v. Carroll, 86 F. Supp. 813 (E.D.Pa. 1949).
16. See 47 C.F.R. S73.1201 (1982).
19. DC Code Ann SS29-548 to 29-564.

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