NAB Backs Up Entercom On Posting Contest Rules Online

Online Rules

ENTERCOM has petitioned the FCC to request that contest rules be made available online. In a separate filing the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BROADCASTERS agreed with ENTERCOM.

"In today's fast-paced world, Americans expect to instantly access information at their fingertips by merely logging on to a website, conducting a GOOGLE search, or using an app on their smart phone," ENTERCOM EVP/General Counsel JOHN C. DONLEVIE wrote. "Relying on broadcast announcements for material contest information may have been an acceptable way to attempt to inform the public about the terms of a contest when the Contest Rule was enacted 'n 1976, but it is certainly not the case today, especially when there are superior methods that are simple to implement. The vast majority of broadcasters already have dedicated websites where they can disclose complete contest information to the public that can be accessed 'on demand.'

"Additionally, broadcasters can easily and quickly disseminate complete contest information to the public by e-mail, facsimile mail, or in-person. These methods provide a more effective way for the public to obtain full, accurate and detailed contest information in written form at any time the public chooses rather than waiting to hear periodic broadcast announcements of the material terms."

For its part, the NAB backed up ENTERCOM's request. "In 1976 there were no FAX machines, no e-mail, no Internet, no personal computers, no smartphones and no convenient way to communicate contest terms of broadcast audiences other than on-air," VALERIE SCHULTE submitted for the NAB. "TODAY, the public expects to be able to access information over the Internet via computers, tablets, hand-held devices and smartphones. Communication is expected to be crisp, concise and brief. Consumers have many choices for entertainment, information and news and will flip from one to another if their expectations are not met."

Read the ENTERCOM petition here, while the NAB seconds that e-motion here.

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