Media Bureau Rescinds COVID-19 Unit Charge Policy

The FCC Media Bureau rolled back a COVID-19-related relaxation of the lowest unit charge (LUC) rules for political ads, said a public notice in Monday’s Daily Digest. In March 2020, the Media Bureau said broadcasters airing free commercials for advertisers during the pandemic didn’t have to factor that into their calculation of their lowest unit rates for political candidates (see 2003260038). “After more than three years, the unprecedented circumstances that necessitated the 2020 Public Notice are no longer present,” said Monday’s PN. “Therefore, effective immediately, the temporary relief provided in the 2020 Public Notice is rescinded.” That means free time provided to commercial advertisers will count for future LUC calculations, the PN said.