Why stations are required to air all, even graphic, political ads

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- You may see a graphic political ad on air during the commercial breaks on our station. We recognize the images in the ads are difficult to watch. This is an explanation as to why stations are required to air all political ads, even the graphic ones.

WTEN is bound by Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) regulations when it comes to airing political campaign advertisements. The FCC requirements state that "broadcast stations are prohibited from censoring or rejecting political ads that are paid for and sponsored by legally qualified candidates."

The exact wording from the FCC regarding Political Ad Content states: Broadcast stations are prohibited from censoring or rejecting political ads that are paid for and sponsored by legally qualified candidates. This no-censorship provision does not apply to political ads that are sponsored by non-candidate third parties.

The FCC generally does not:

• Review or pre-approve the content of political ads before they are broadcast
• Ensure the accuracy of statements that are made by candidates and issue advertisers
• Require broadcast stations and other regulatees to provide all sides of controversial issues
• Oversee the nature and extent of the coverage that individual candidates receive under the news exemption

If you would like to provide feedback or have additional questions on the requirements, you can call the FCC Consumer Complaint line at 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322).