§ 76.1701   Political file.

   (a) Every cable television system shall keep and permit public
   inspection of a complete and orderly record (political file) of all
   requests for cablecast time made by or on behalf of a candidate for
   public office, together with an appropriate notation showing the
   disposition made by the system of such requests, and the charges made,
   if any, if the request is granted. The “disposition” includes the
   schedule of time purchased, when spots actually aired, the rates
   charged, and the classes of time purchased.

   (b) When free time is provided for use by or on behalf of candidates, a
   record of the free time provided shall be placed in the political file.

   (c) All records required by this paragraph shall be placed in the
   political file as soon as possible and shall be retained for a period
   of two years. As soon as possible means immediately absent unusual
   circumstances.

   (d) Where origination cablecasting material is a political matter or
   matter involving the discussion of a controversial issue of public
   importance and a corporation, committee, association or other
   unincorporated group, or other entity is paying for or furnishing the
   matter, the system operator shall, in addition to making the
   announcement required by § 76.1615, require that a list of the chief
   executive officers or members of the executive committee or of the
   board of directors of the corporation, committee, association or other
   unincorporated group, or other entity shall be made available for
   public inspection at the local office of the system. Such lists shall
   be kept and made available for two years.

   [ 65 FR 53621 , Sept. 5, 2000, as amended at  83 FR 7631 , Feb. 22, 2018]

   return arrow Back to Top