Supreme Court Backs FCC on Midterm Ad Rates

The Supreme Court again sided with Republicans in a dispute over an FCC policy extending discounted broadcast advertising rates to political party committees and certain joint fundraising committees, rather than only candidates. The court blocked a lower-court deadline requiring the FCC to rule on Democratic candidates’ challenge before the November midterms, saying the agency has discretion over its procedures and schedule. The candidates argue the policy exceeds federal election law; the FCC says it clarifies existing requirements. Though the discounted rates apply to both parties, the change could benefit Republicans, whose party committees generally raise more money, and the court’s action does not resolve the underlying challenge.