44. Are there limits on traditional media advertising spending in relation to election campaigns?

Paid airtime is also subject to the equal opportunity rule. Federal candidates are entitled to purchase airtime at the lowest sum charged for a comparable advertisement on a channel by channel basis. There are no legal limits to the amount of media campaign expenditures, but there are detailed rules that promote financial accountability and transparency of election-related advertising. All advertisements must include sponsorship identification and stations are not allowed to censor the content of a candidate’s advertisement.

OSCE/ODIHR (2012), United States of America, General Elections, 6 November 2012.  OSCE/ODIHR Limited Election Observation Mission Report. OSCE/ODIHR, Warsaw.