The FCC has elaborate rules that affect a political candidate’s access to broadcast media, including community radio; the rates that a station can charge, and the impact on underwriting; the disclosures a broadcast station must make and the right of opposing candidates to “equal opportunities”; and much more.
Who is considered a candidate for public office? What is a political “use” of a broadcast station? And are the FCC requirements regarding the broadcasting of “equal opportunities”?
Garvey Schubert Barer Media provides guidance on this issue in NFCB’s Solution Center, available to member stations. If you are not a member station, you can join now.