MT-SEN: Bizarre Saga Of Yanked Anti-Burns Ad

[RamboLiberal]

http://www.tpmcafe.com/blog/electioncentral/2006/sep/21/mt_sen_tv_station_wont_air_anti_burns_ad_because_of_foul_language_from_burns

It's hard to know what to make of this one. A Montana TV station has yanked a DSCC ad attacking Conrad Burns because the ad contains foul language -- that is, foul language from Burns. As we reported yesterday, the DSCC's new ad slams Burns for his now-notorious remark that firefighters did a "piss poor job" battling a Montana blaze. Now, however, a local TV station is refusing to run the ad because the language is "offensive" and it fears fines from the Federal Election Commission, the Montana station KPAX-TV reports. Given that the foul language in question is that of Burns, it's kind of funny that he's the one benefitting from the station's decision.

KPAX-TV didn't specify which station is declining to run the ads. But the controversy is doesn't end with that one station: KPAX-TV is also reporting that the Montana Broadcasters Association is urging stations not to run it. And the Burns campaign is even attacking the DSCC over the ad, claiming that the Dems are only airing it to get publicity -- an intriguing strategy, since attacking the ad will ensure that it only gets more publicity.

(To watch KPAX's report, go http://www.montanasnewsstation.com/Global/category.asp?C=53512&nav=menu227_8_4 and click on the link which says: "New campaign ad against Sen. Burns stirs controversy.")

At any rate, here's how DSCC spokesman Phil Singer responded to the whole fight:

"These words are from Conrad Burns and no one else. And we would encourage all those who are concerned with the language that Senator Burns used to take it up with him."

[Kagemusha]

1. Well golly, sounds like the FCC's policies are chilling political speech.

Who could have ever anticipated that being among the results of its anti-obscenity drive?

(raises hand)

[Nite Owl]

2. Why can't they bleep it?

Then they wouldn't be letting poor little GOP ears hear the exact words he said and people would be filling in much worse than piss poor.

[sandnsea]

3. Burns got his start in MT broadcasting

He was a farm reporter and then bought 31 radio stations and 6 tv stations that he sold in 86 when he first ran for office.

But he still gets a bundle from the media
http://www.publicintegrity.org/telecom/analysis/InfluenceTracker.aspx?MODE=CONTRECD&RECIPID=643

I'd be looking for campaign fraud in there somewhere.

[onenote]

4. if it wasn't a DSCC ad,the station couldn't pull it

The Communications Act is quite clear: a station "shall have no power of censorship over the material broadcast" by a candidate in a political ad. 47 USC Sec. 315(a). However, the ad in question is described as a DSCC ad. Arguably, the statutory provision quoted only applies to an ad that is by, or at least features, the opposing candidate.