Why broadcasters must air political ads even if they contain misinformation
CBSN
Politicians use public airwaves to persuade American voters every election year — and broadcasters must air their ads, no matter how controversial — due to a law passed nearly nine decades ago. The Communications Act of 1934 states broadcasters have "no power of censorship" over any "legally qualified candidate" for office, and it requires stations to offer their lowest rates available ahead of an election.
University of Georgia professor Joseph Watson, who also guided the George W. Bush administration on telecommunications policy, said while everyday commercial advertisers can face allegations of stretching the truth, they're at least required by federal law to back up their claims with facts. Those rules do not apply to political candidates.
"So a cereal company can't lie about their cereal, but a candidate can lie about their politics?" asked "CBS Mornings" co-host Tony Dokoupil.
A federal judge dismissed the gun case against Hunter Biden on Tuesday after President Biden issued a sweeping pardon for his son.
Debbie Nelson, the mother of rapper Eminem and whose rocky relationship with her son was known widely through his hit song lyrics, has died. She was 69.
Chad Chronister, President-elect Donald Trump's pick to lead the Drug Enforcement Administration, announced Tuesday he is withdrawing his name from consideration, citing the goals he has yet to complete as sheriff of Hillsborough County, Florida.
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Donald Trump's lawyers pointed to an unlikely person in demanding a judge dismiss the president-elect's New York criminal case: Hunter Biden.
Washington — A group of House Democrats is seeking to oust some of their aging committee leaders after disappointing defeats for the party in the November elections that will give Republicans control of the White House and Congress come January.
A Vietnamese court upheld the death penalty Tuesday for a property tycoon in a multibillion-dollar fraud case — but said her life could still be spared if she paid back three quarters of the assets she embezzled.
President-elect Donald Trump said late Monday that he will travel to Paris for the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral, a grand celebration set to take place this weekend.
The New York Film Critics Circle, one of the nation's oldest and most venerated critics' groups, is kicking movie awards season into high gear Tuesday as they select their choices for the best of 2024.
Washington — The Supreme Court is set to convene Wednesday to hear arguments in a landmark case involving access to gender-affirming care like puberty blockers and hormone therapy for minors experiencing gender dysphoria.
Washington — Senate Democrats are meeting Tuesday morning to elect their leadership for the next two years, after Republicans flipped the chamber in the 2024 elections.