FCC Calls for Political Ad Disclosure

Politicians have learned to harness every form of technology to manipulate voters, but none are more visible than ads on TV. For many voters who haven’t had time to do their own research, these ads may be the only information they have as they head to the polls.

Until recently, only the top broadcast stations have had to disclose who is paying for these influential ads. And even in the Internet age, concerned citizens looking to access this information had to visit the TV station in person and ask to see the paper record.

A recent FCC ruling changed all this. Now, every TV station that runs political ads is required to keep paper records and disclose the ad sponsor online. This will increase the number of stations required to disclose crucial campaign financial information from 200 to 1,000nationwide.

Putting this information online makes it accessible to anyone with an Internet connection. That means more checks on politicians and their supporters, more pairs of eyes critiquing the information they are providing citizens, and more accountability for big money interests trying to influence elections. 

The FCC ruled in favor of disclosure and in favor of the people. More information means more power for voters, and that’s something to be celebrated.