Television station owners are mobilizing against a new Democratic campaign finance bill that would force them to slash prices for many political advertisements.
The National Association of Broadcasters confirmed late last week that it will oppose provisions of the DISCLOSE Act, an attempt by House and Senate Democrats -- and a handful of House Republicans -- to roll back elements of the Supreme Court's decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission.
The high court's decision tossed out most restrictions on political ad buys on television by corporations, trade associations and nonprofit groups.
The bill would require television, cable and radio outlets to offer the Republican National Committee, the Democratic National Committee and other political party committees the same deeply discounted price -- the "lowest unit rate," in industry jargon -- that television stations are now required to offer only to political candidates. Although advertising rates fluctuate dramatically, veteran media buyers estimate that candidates' campaigns often pay two-thirds of the retail price that regular television advertisers such as McDonald's and Coca-Cola pay.
"NAB is reviewing the bill," spokesman Dennis Wharton said in a statement April 29. "We would have concerns with provisions in the legislation that would expand the lowest unit rate discounts now afforded federal candidates to political parties and political committees."
The upcoming fight over political advertising rates also will offer a first look at NAB President Gordon H. Smith in a full-scale lobbying battle. The former Oregon senator, a moderate Republican, replaced GOP lobbyist David Rehr last year.
In the Senate, the bill is sponsored by Rules and Administration Chairman Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Democratic Sens. Russ Feingold (Wis.), Ron Wyden (Ore.), Michael Bennet (Colo.) and Evan Bayh (Ind.). The House version is sponsored by Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chairman Chris Van Hollen (Md.) and Republican Reps. Walter B. Jones (N.C.) and Michael N. Castle (Del.).
YahooWTF?? Instead of allowing corporations to have a voice, these A-Holes want to go to the other extreme and allow their political parties to get cheaper rates? They are trying to kill off opposition to the two party system.
