The Telecommunications Act of 1996 abolished the older “fairness doctrine” that had been in effect since 1950. The ruling deregulated the information industry. What effect did this deregulation have on the Federal Communications Commission?

a. The FCC was no longer needed and was disbanded.
b. It transformed the FCC into a law enforcement agency.
c. It shifted the emphasis of government policy from regulating to facilitating competition.
d. The FCC became a moderator of disputes between media outlets.
e. The FCC was transformed into a labor union of sorts which acted as an advocate for customers of the media.

ANS: C