Eight CINs

This is from a planned Federal Communication Commission (FCC) study during the Obama administration that intended to send outside contractors into newsrooms to better understand the news process and news content.

The fear then was that if the study were to proceed, the FCC could seek retribution against news outlets that did not report the news in the ideal way. Because the FCC has the power to withhold broadcast licenses, it could use that power to encourage certain stories to be reported in certain ways.

It was called the “CIN” study. Pronounce it like the word “sin” in the phrase mortal sin.

Critical Information Needs (CINs)

  • information about emergencies and risks
  • health and welfare
  • education
  • transportation
  • economic opportunities
  • the environment
  • civic information
  • political information

“This study begins the charting of a course to a more effective delivery of necessary information to all citizens,” said FCC commissioner Mignon Clyburn in 2012.

Updates to be added to this page about these 8 CINs.