Simple English definitions for legal terms
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The Carroll doctrine is a rule that says if someone already has a license to broadcast on the radio or TV, they can complain if the government gives another license to someone else that might hurt their business. This is because the new license could cause the first person to lose money and not be able to provide as good of a service. The rule comes from a court case called Carroll Broadcasting Co. v. FCC in 1958.
The Carroll Doctrine is a principle that allows a broadcast licensee to challenge the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) decision to grant a competitive license. This is because the grant of a new license could potentially harm the existing licensee's business by causing economic damage.
For example, let's say that a radio station has been operating in a particular area for many years. If the FCC were to grant a new license to another radio station in the same area, it could lead to a decrease in the original station's listenership and revenue. The original station could then use the Carroll Doctrine to challenge the FCC's decision.
The Carroll Doctrine was established in the case of Carroll Broadcasting Co. v. FCC in 1958. The court ruled that the existing licensee had standing to contest the grant of a competitive license because it could lead to a reduction in broadcast service.