Why broadcasters must air political ads even if they contain misinformation
CBSN
Politicians use public airwaves to persuade American voters every election year — and broadcasters must air their ads, no matter how controversial — due to a law passed nearly nine decades ago. The Communications Act of 1934 states broadcasters have "no power of censorship" over any "legally qualified candidate" for office, and it requires stations to offer their lowest rates available ahead of an election.
University of Georgia professor Joseph Watson, who also guided the George W. Bush administration on telecommunications policy, said while everyday commercial advertisers can face allegations of stretching the truth, they're at least required by federal law to back up their claims with facts. Those rules do not apply to political candidates.
"So a cereal company can't lie about their cereal, but a candidate can lie about their politics?" asked "CBS Mornings" co-host Tony Dokoupil.
