FCC Plans Inquiry on TV Liquor Ads

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Reed Hundt said he intends to begin a broad inquiry next year on TV liquor ads, including possible regulatory options to restrict them. Reed said the inquiry would be framed in a way “that’s not slanted toward one particular outcome” but would offer a “forum where any reasonable question can be asked, including whether or not a rule would be constitutional or not.” The liquor industry last month decided to abandon its decades-old ban on TV and radio ads. Hundt has suggested that the FCC consider regulatory action if the industry doesn’t uphold the ban voluntarily. His other three commissioners are at odds over whether the agency has the authority to regulate the ads.