The panelists talk about a new requirement regarding the political advertising sold by network television stations in the nation's 50 largest markets.
The FCC board voted to have those stations post certain data on-line. That includes information on who bought political ads, when, and how much they paid.
Broadcasters are already required to file the information at their stations but the board feels it will be more accessible if posted on the web.
Broadcasters are not happy about the rule. They're concerned that competitors will now be able to easily learn more about their ad rates. They also point out that newspapers and on-line media don't have to comply with the same requirement.
The Shop Talk panelists feel a lot more light would shine on the data if those who bought ads were required to reveal more information about themselves instead of hiding behind an organizational name.
