The use of FCC definitions for words seems like an unusual criterion for good journalism. The FCC has its own version of legalese with a bunch of very specific definitions for various words and phrases (any one with radio experience probably has seen some of that). Plus, in the end with many of their regulations, it often doesn't matter what you call it.
Even with non-FCC legal definitions of lottery being similar, I wouldn't call it poor journalism to use common language instead of legalese (outside of a legal or more esoteric publications). After all, dictionaries don't seem to require the payment as part of all definitions. I remember housing lotteries from undergrad, event ticket lotteries and parking space lotteries at my grad school, and sports draft lotteries, none of which required payment to enter.
The use of FCC definitions for words seems like an unusual criterion for good journalism. The FCC has its own version of legalese with a bunch of very specific definitions for various words and phrases (any one with radio experience probably has seen some of that). Plus, in the end with many of their regulations, it often doesn't matter what you call it.
Even with non-FCC legal definitions of lottery being similar, I wouldn't call it poor journalism to use common language instead of legalese (outside of a legal or more esoteric publications). After all, dictionaries don't seem to require the payment as part of all definitions. I remember housing lotteries from undergrad, event ticket lotteries and parking space lotteries at my grad school, and sports draft lotteries, none of which required payment to enter.