Syracuse (WSYR-TV) - It’s only October, but NewsChannel 9 viewers are already saying they’re sick of political “mudslinging.”
As a station, NewsChannel 9 must follow certain rules regarding ads that either support or undercut a candidate for office.
With respect to legally qualified candidates for Federal office, under FCC rules, NewsChannel 9 must provide each candidate with what is called “reasonable access” for the duration of a campaign.
The definition of “reasonable access” is, in part, subject to how much time the candidate has already bought and whether that would prohibit an opposing candidate from equal opportunity to air time.
And while a candidate can’t demand access to a specific program, a station can’t control the content of the ads they air.
In addition, state and local candidates have no right of access to air time. And a broadcast station has flexibility with respect to airing ads marketed by issue-based organizations and political action committees.
If you have a question for the Your Stories team, call (315) 446-9900 or email YourStories@9wsyr.com.
