Lawyer Article
Cross-Border Political Broadcasting: Gregg Skall Analyzes Recent Developments
June 16, 2010
What happens when foreign-based broadcasters become involved in American political advertising? Womble Carlyle attorney Gregg Skall examines this issue, based on a recent Federal Elections Commission case, in an article written for the current issue of Radio Business Report/Television Business Report.
Mexican-based TV stations have significant market shares in such Texas border cities as El Paso and Laredo. Starchannel Communications, Inc., a U.S. company, sells ad time on these stations to American clients, including political candidates.
But the participation of a foreign television company in U.S. elections raises several federal election law questions, including:
- Would the sale of time on Mexican stations at LUC amount to an illegal campaign contribution by the Mexican station?
- Does the Mexican station have to honor mandatory reasonable access demands by candidates that Starchannel may not offer to sell to?
- Are opposing candidates entitled to equal opportunities?
Gregg Skall is a Washington, D.C.-based attorney at Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, PLLC specializing in all things media and FCC.
Read Gregg's Skall's column on Radio Business Report.
Read Gregg's Skall's column on Radio Business Report.
This document is intended as an informational reminder and does not constitute legal advice. If you have any questions or would like to discuss a particular situation, please contact Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, PLLC. The purpose of this article is to provide general information about significant legal developments and should not be construed as legal advice on any specific facts and circumstances.