Police Encryption and “Synthetic Performer” Advertising Bill Not Yet Signed by Governor
- The New York State Broadcasters Association
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Two key pieces of legislation have not yet been signed by the Governor. Under New York Law, once the legislature sends a bill to the Governor, she has 10 days to sign it. The failure to sign is equivalent to a veto. As a result, the Governor’s office and the legislature usually coordinate when a bill will be sent over for the Governor’s signature. As we go to press, only the Advertising: Synthetic Performers Bill (S.8240/A.8887B) has been sent to the Governor for her signature.
Keep Police Radio Public Act (S.416A/A.3516): NYPD and other jurisdictions are in the process of encrypting all police communications. As a result, broadcast journalists are unable to obtain information regarding police activity in their local community. The legislation would require law enforcement to provide professional journalists to obtain access to basic dispatch information in real time. At the same time, it would protect sensitive police communications. Under the bill, the NY Secretary of State would create a list of journalists eligible to obtain access. We have urged the Governor to sign this bill.
You can see a complete analysis of the Keep Police Radio Public Act here.
Advertising: Synthetic Performers Bill (S.8240A/A.8887B): After a considerable battle, we were able to amend legislation that would limit liability for broadcasting advertisements with computer-generated human images or voices. The new law would require stations to include disclosures for any ad containing a computer-generated voice or image. We were able to exclude radio and audio services from the bill. For television, liability would apply only to the entities that created the advertisement. Stations would not be liable for broadcasting advertisements containing computer-generated images from networks or syndicators. The legislation would become effective 180 days after it is signed by the Governor. While not perfect, we believe the risk of liability to stations has been significantly reduced with our amendments.
You can see a complete analysis of the Synthetic Performers legislation here.
We have been urging the Governor’s office to sign both bills. We will continue these efforts through December.
