MS HB144

Requires broadcasting stations that receive public funds to provide equal opportunity to all candidates for state or federal office if allowing any candidate to use the station for campaign purposes, with no censorship authority over candidate material.

Mandates broadcasting stations provide equal time for rebuttal when on-air announcers or commentators express positions on candidates or issues within 45 days before primary elections or 60 days before general elections.

Limits rates charged to candidates to the lowest unit charge available during the 45-day primary period and 60-day general election period, provided the candidate certifies in writing they will not directly reference opponents unless meeting specified requirements.

Requires all candidate broadcasts to include identification of the candidate and approval statement (with photographic image on television for at least 4 seconds; audio statement on radio), and removes lowest-rate eligibility if candidate or authorized committee makes unqualified direct references to opponents.

Mandates broadcasting stations maintain and publicly disclose records for at least two years of all requests to purchase broadcast time by candidates or relating to political matters of national importance, including acceptance/rejection status, rates charged, air dates, and identifying information.