FCC clears up rules for TV contests

Federal regulators on Friday proposed to update their regulations for broadcast radio and television contests so that the rules are easier for the public to understand.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) unanimously voted to move forward with the update to the regulations, which will allow companies to post their contest rules on the Internet and could spell the end of many fast-talking radio announcers and tiny type on some TV ads.

{mosads}“I think it’s time for broadcasters to be able to use 21st century tools to carry out their public interest obligations with respect to on-air contests,” said Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel, a Democrat.

The existing rules were written in 1976 in response to concerns about companies scamming consumers. They require radio and TV companies to disclose on-air the details of who can participate in their contests and how.

Those disclosures can be annoying to people forced to listen to a quick-talking announcer explain who is and is not eligible to participate, however.

“This isn’t just an academic exercise,” said Commissioner Ajit Pai, a Republican, who noted that many people often lose interest and change the channel when they hear contest rules.

“The rules should reflect the digital world in which we live.”