Recently we posted a blog alerting that the FCC was updating aspects of its political programming and recordkeeping rules. That FCC Order revised the definition of “legally qualified candidate for public office”, and also amended the political file rules. The revised rules are effective 30 days after publication of a summary of the order in the Federal Register, except for portions of the rules requiring OMB approval.
The Federal Register published a summary of the order on February 10, 2022. Therefore, the amendments to the definition of “legally qualified candidate” will take effect on March 14, 2022. The amendments to the political file requirements still require OMB approval and will become effective after a future publication in the Federal Register. We will alert you when that occurs.
With an election year ahead, Fletcher Heald will be teaming with several state broadcast associations, led by the Arkansas Broadcasters Association to present a webinar on the FCC’s political broadcasting rules on Thursday, February 24th at 1 pm EST. Presenting will be Fletcher, Heald & Hildreth attorneys Frank Montero and Sara Hinkle, accompanied by the FCC’s Political Broadcasting team, Bobby Baker, Gary Schonman and Sima Nilsson. You may register at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Du_aP8LTTmG4A8kMhGXdzw. The FCC Q&A will be “off the record”.
In the meantime, if you have questions about compliance with the FCC’s political rules, please contact us.