Corporate contribution prohibitions would apply with equal force to all media corporations unless their activities fall within the specific exemption for any news story, commentary, or editorial distributed through the facilities of any broadcasting station, newspaper, magazine, or other periodical publication which are not owned or controlled by any political party committee, political committee or candidate. In the present case, Turner, Inc. facilities are not owned or controlled by either political party and the Commission concludes that the distribution of free time to both political parties is within the broadcaster's legitimate broadcast function and, therefore, within the purview of the media exemption. The Commission is of the opinion that the program described is a commentary and, therefore, within the news story, editorial, or commentary exemption. See H.R. Report No. 93d Congress, 2d Sess.
Political parties are necessary participants in political campaigns.
The Commission is of the opinion that providing two hours of free time to both major political parties to discuss issues, to attempt to show the differences between the two parties and to encourage support of political parties is a vital part of covering and commenting upon political campaigns. In response to your second question, since there is no contribution resulting from the provision of the free cablecast time, no allocation is necessary. Any deviation from the facts presented in this request would compel the Commission to reconsider whether, based on the new facts, the news story, editorial or commentary exemption would apply. This response constitutes an advisory opinion concerning application of the Act, or regulations prescribed by the Commission, to the specific transaction or activity set forth in your request. See 2 U.S.C. SS 437f.