Lowest Unit Rate Period Began September 5th

New York’s general election date for state and local elective offices is November 4^th. This means the lowest unit rate period for political advertisements began on September 5^th, which is 60 days before the general election. Importantly, the lowest unit rate rules apply only to ads purchased by a candidate or a candidate’s authorized campaign committee.  They do not apply to third-party entities (such as super PACS, activist groups, unions or others), purchasing time to support a candidate.  

Also, stations are required by law to provide reasonable access to federal candidates.  They do not necessarily have to provide access to state and local candidates.  However, if you provide access to a candidate for a state or local office, you must provide access to all legally qualified candidates for that office.  In other words, the equal opportunities rules and lowest unit rate rules kick in once you provide access to a qualified state or local candidate.

Additional information can be found on the NYSBA website here.