Report: Industry Finances Advocacy Groups

A report released Tuesday by the nonprofit group Common Cause finds that some advocacy groups that say they represent consumers are financed by phone and cable companies, reports The Wall Street Journal. Such advocacy groups are on the rise because of potential legislation in Congress that could dramatically affect the telecommunications industry, the Journal reports.

The president of one such organization, Consumers for Cable Choice, said the group discloses that it is supported by AT&T and Verizon “anywhere when asked or when appropriate,” including on its Web site. But the head of one Washington group critical of the telecom support said many lawmakers are unaware of the affiliation. (A paid subscription is required to read this article.)