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ARTICLE · 23 SEPTEMBER 2015

Hear! Hear! FCC Modernizes Contest Rules For Broadcasters

Venable LLP
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Last Thursday, the FCC adopted revised rules that allow broadcasters to disclose contest rules on an Internet website, as opposed to reading them over the air.

United StatesMedia, Telecoms, IT, Entertainment
Melissa Steinman
Melissa Steinman
Annie H. Lee
Annie H. Lee

The days of on-air fast-talking contest announcements are coming to an end. Last Thursday, the FCC adopted revised rules that allow broadcasters to disclose contest rules on an Internet website, as opposed to reading them over the air. Prior to this rule change, under the FCC's "Contest Rule" (47 C.F.R. Section 73.1216), broadcasters that advertised a contest on-air were required to fully disclose the "material terms" of the contest and then conduct the contest substantially as announced or advertised – a requirement that was adopted almost four decades ago, and which the FCC now acknowledges is inconsistent with the way Americans obtain information today.

Those that want to take advantage of the new Internet website option must comply with the requirements that the FCC lays out in the Report and Order, including:

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