Political Quotes

“Mr. Chair, I urge support for the amendment offered by Representative Eshoo. This is a straightforward amendment that will encourage transparency by requiring entities sponsoring political advertising to disclose the identity of any donors that have contributed $10,000 or more to such entity over a 2-year election reporting period. Notably, this amendment applies equally to broadcasters, cable providers, and satellite providers, and it does nothing more than update what is required to be placed in the political file. Based on concerns raised by members of the committee at markup, Ms. Eshoo modified the amendment to make it explicit that broadcasters as well as cable and satellite providers will not be held liable for any inaccuracies in the information provided under this amendment. Today, FCC rules require broadcasters, cable providers, and satellite providers to maintain and make available for public inspection requests to purchase airtime related to political advertising. There is no requirement, however, to disclose who actually pays for such advertisements. Rather, the file simply needs to contain the name of the person or entity requesting such airtime. As a result, it is easy to see how viewers might be confused about who is actually financing the advertisements they see and hear every day.…”