But its real value to broadcasters is the billions of dollars in corporate welfare the new legislation has made possible. The bill allowed broadcasters to receive for free new, digital TV licenses from the government. NAB has opposed the bipartisan reform bill because it would allow qualified candidates to receive free and reduced-cost broadcast time. Providing free broadcast time to candidates who agree to limit their campaign spending and PAC fundraising would help fulfill the responsibility that broadcasters incur by using public airwaves, according to Common Cause. Under current law, corporations and labor unions are prohibited from making contributions in connection with a federal election, while individuals and PACs are subject to federal limits.
Hard money means contributions that are legal under federal law for federal elections.
Soft money means contributions which are outside the limits and prohibitions of federal law, including large individual or PAC contributions and direct corporate or union contributions.