NEWSReport No. MM 96-26 MASS MEDIA ACTIONSeptember 25, 1996 COMMISSION RULES ON DOLE-KEMP '96 COMPLAINT AGAINST AFLAC The Commission ruled today that federal candidates cannot be required to sign contracts for the sale of political advertising which contain waivers of their legal rights as a condition of access under Section 312(a)(7) of the Communications Act. The Commission took this action in response to a complaint from the Dole-Kemp '96 Campaign against several television stations owned by AFLAC Broadcast Partners. The Commission noted that, pursuant to Section 312(a)(7) of the Communications Act, broadcast stations are required to provide or make available for sale reasonable amounts of time to candidates for federal elective office. The Commission stated that in light of this statutory right of access, stations could not require federal candidates to agree to contractual terms that included a choice of forum clause or a 90-day statute of limitations for filing complaints at the FCC. The Commission directed AFLAC to conform its policies consistent with this ruling. Action by the Commission September 25, 1996, by Memorandum Opinion and Order (FCC 96-391). Chairman Hundt, Commissioners Quello, Ness and Chong. - FCC - Mass Media Bureau contacts: Ray White or Bobby Baker -- (202) 418-1440