"Clean money" bill would require broadcasters to air free ads

WASHINGTON, D.C.–Candidates who do not accept private campaign money would be eligible for free and reduced-rate air time under a House bill introduced in mid-July. The bill would require broadcasters to set aside the time without being compensated.

The “Clean Money, Clean Elections” (CMCE) bill would provide a campaign allowance from a publicly financed “clean money” fund to those candidates who qualify. A candidate must agree to spending limits, accept no private contributions, and use no personal funds to be considered a “clean money” candidate, according to a press release from John Tierney (D-Mass), author of the bill.

Clean money candidates would receive “significant free T.V. and radio prime time/drive time allotments,” as well as reduced rates on any time over the given amounts, according to Tierney’s office. This translates to 30 minutes of free air time for the candidate during the primary campaign and an additional 75 minutes for the general election.

Candidates that choose to continue accepting private campaign contributions would receive no free air time allotments and receive no discounts on air time under the proposal. (H.R. 2199)