Media and Elections

United States of America

ME037

Question:	What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):	i. Not applicable
Comments:	Free advertising/broadcasting opportunities may be given to candidates, but it is not guaranteed. The FCC Title 47 Code of Federal Regulations Section 73 says that candidates must be provided with the same low rates and better discounts as the station awards its "most favored commercial advertisers for the same classes and amounts of time for the same periods."
Source:	FCC Title 47 Code of Federal Regulations Section 73 https://www.fcc.gov/media/policy/statutes-and-rules-candidate-appearances-advertising
Verified:	2020/10/21

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ME059

Question:	Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):	a. Yes, in presidential elections b. Yes, in legislative elections
Comments:
Source:	The Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD): https://www.debates.org/about-cpd/
Verified:	2020/10/21

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ME062

Question:	What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer:	h. Not applicable
Comments:
Source:	Citizens United v FEC No.08-205 558 U.S. 310 (2010) ; https://www.fcc.gov/media/policy/statutes-and-rules-candidate-appearances-advertising
Verified:	2020/10/21

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ME080

Question:	Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:	a. Yes
Comments:	"Only a national party committee has a coordinated party spending limit for the party’s presidential nominee. Other party committees may spend against this limit if they have the national committee’s prior written authorization (which must include the amount that may be spent)." Limits change each year and reflect the previous year's voting age population (VAP) and COLA (5.18508).
Source:	https://www.fec.gov/help-candidates-and-committees/making-disbursements-political-party/coordinated-party-expenditures/ ; https://www.fec.gov/help-candidates-and-committees/making-disbursements-political-party/coordinated-party-expenditures/coordinated-party-expenditure-limits/ ;
Verified:	2020/10/21

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