Advertising (Political)

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Revision as of 15:29, 3 September 2010

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), carries out enforcement of the Federal Communications Act, requiring that a mass media station that sells air time to one candidate must provide equal time to other major candidates for that same office. The station must keep strict records of candidate requests for air time.

Equal air time: excludes appearances by a legally qualified candidate on a bona fide newscast or in on-the-spot news coverage. Censorship of political candidates by broadcasters or the public is prohibited.

Issues can be resolved with stations at the local level. Unresolved complaints may be sent to the following address:

Federal Communications Commission
Enforcement Division, Mass Media Branch
445 12th Street, SW, Room 2-C334
Washington, DC 20554
(888) 225-5322
(202) 418-1440
(202) 418-0232 Fax
www.fcc.gov
Email - fccinfo@fcc.gov

The FCC requires the following information on complaints:

• The call letters of the station (example: kcra [channel 3], kovr [channel 13], knci [105.1 fm]);
  

• The city and state where the station is located;
  

• The name, time and date of the specific program or advertisement in question, if applicable;

• The name of anyone contacted at the station, if applicable; and
  

• A statement of the problem, as specific as possible. The FCC will accept an audio or video tape or transcript of the advertisement (if available).
  

Consumers should include their name and address if they would like information on the final disposition of the complaint.

The FCC prefers complaints submitted in writing. Phone complaints will be accepted if the issue involves public safety. The FCC can only act on allegations that a station has violated a provision of the Communications Act or the FCC's rules or policies.

See:
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

Consumer Resource & Referral Guide
Directory of State Agencies
Directory of Federal Agencies
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