Political Broadcasting

Watch for Congressional “Franking” Ads in the Last Weeks Before the Pre-Election Period – The FCC Political Broadcasting Implications

By David Oxenford|2022-08-24T10:14:37-05:00August 24th, 2022|Legal News|

We have been receiving numerous calls from broadcasters about “franking” ads from Congressional representatives running for reelection. Congress each year allows its members to spend certain amounts of money to communicate with their constituents. This was traditionally done through mailings, which Congressional representatives could send through the US mail without any postage charges (hence the... Continue Reading…

$60,000 Fine on LPTV Station For Political Broadcasting and Sponsorship Identification Issues with Ad Packages Containing News Program Appearances

By David Oxenford|2022-08-18T10:47:29-05:00August 18th, 2022|Legal News|

Last week, the FCC entered into a consent decree with the operator of a low power TV station, where the broadcaster admitted to violating FCC rules by selling advertising packages that included guaranteed appearances of the advertiser on a local news and information program, without any notice to viewers that the programming was sponsored. The... Continue Reading…

$60,000 Fine on LPTV Station For Political Broadcasting and Sponsorship Identification Issues with Ad Packages Containing News Program Appearances

By David Oxenford|2022-08-18T10:47:29-05:00August 18th, 2022|Legal News|

Last week, the FCC entered into a consent decree with the operator of a low power TV station, where the broadcaster admitted to violating FCC rules by selling advertising packages that included guaranteed appearances of the advertiser on a local news and information program, without any notice to viewers that the programming was sponsored. The... Continue Reading…

This Week in Regulation for Broadcasters: August 6, 2022 to August 12, 2022

By David Oxenford and Robert Primosch|2022-08-14T10:51:48-05:00August 14th, 2022|Legal News|

Here are some of the regulatory developments of significance to broadcasters from the past week, with links to where you can go to find more information as to how these actions may affect your operations. The FCC’s Media Bureau released a consent decree, including the payment of a $60,000 penalty, with an LPTV station operator... Continue Reading…

This Week in Regulation for Broadcasters: July 23, 2022 to July 29, 2022

By David Oxenford|2022-07-31T10:28:58-05:00July 31st, 2022|Legal News|

Here are some of the regulatory developments of significance to broadcasters from the past week, with links to where you can go to find more information as to how these actions may affect your operations. A bill was introduced in the US Senate proposing to prohibit any FCC or criminal action against a broadcaster who... Continue Reading…

August Regulatory Dates for Broadcasters: Regulatory Fees, EEO Reports, Many Rulemaking Comment Dates, and More

By David Oxenford|2022-07-29T10:32:07-05:00July 29th, 2022|Legal News|

With the end of summer upon us, we begin to look forward to the regulatory issues that will face broadcasters as we barrel toward the end of the year. One date on many broadcaster’s minds is the date by which the annual regulatory fees will be due to be paid. While the payment date is... Continue Reading…

August Regulatory Dates for Broadcasters: Regulatory Fees, EEO Reports, Many Rulemaking Comment Dates, and More

By David Oxenford|2022-07-29T10:32:07-05:00July 29th, 2022|Legal News|

With the end of summer upon us, we begin to look forward to the regulatory issues that will face broadcasters as we barrel toward the end of the year. One date on many broadcaster’s minds is the date by which the annual regulatory fees will be due to be paid. While the payment date is... Continue Reading…

Why Federal and State Issue Ads Have Different Broadcast Public File Requirements

By David Oxenford|2022-07-26T11:35:47-05:00July 26th, 2022|Legal News|

Recently, I’ve received many calls from broadcasters about the FCC public file obligations for issue ads (those ads not bought by legally qualified candidates or their authorized committees) – particularly concerning the different treatment between issue ads dealing with federal candidates or federal matters, and those dealing with state and local matters. There was much... Continue Reading…

This Week in Regulation for Broadcasters: June 25, 2022 to July 8, 2022

By David Oxenford and Robert Primosch|2022-07-10T08:10:46-05:00July 10th, 2022|Legal News|

Here are some of the regulatory developments of significance to broadcasters from the past two weeks, with links to where you can go to find more information as to how these actions may affect your operations. The FCC has issued a Public Notice confirming the comment and reply comment dates for its Third Further Notice... Continue Reading…