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Media Buyers and Media Outlets

Media buyers and media outlets work with print media, broadcasting (radio and television), and the internet. Consultants and vendors who provide these goods and services but do not consider themselves to be a media buyer or media outlet should still refer to the documentation requirements below. Consultants who coordinate the production and purchasing of communications and ads should also refer to the contract requirements in the Consultants section.

During the Campaign

While working on a campaign, media outlets and media buyers should provide detailed documentation and copies or records of the work product as detailed below.

Communication Type

Documentation

Copies or records of work product to provide to campaign

Details to be Included

Radio/TV ads and communications
  • Contract (if any) with media buyer and/or TV/radio stations
  • Invoice(s)
  • Detailed post-broadcast record(s), including date(s) and time(s) aired, number of placements, length of ad(s)
  • Vendor name and address
  • Committee name, not just the name of the candidate
  • Price per minute
  • Total purchase amount
  • Sales tax if applicable (NOTE: political campaigns are not tax exempt)
  • Amount due
  • For contract – dated signatures of vendor and candidate/treasurer

Print, internet, or billboard ads and communications
  • Contract (if any) with media buyer and/or newspaper, magazine, or Internet site
  • Invoice(s)
  • Tear sheet(s) for print ad(s) (or a copy of the ad from the publication)
  • Screenshot(s) for Internet ad(s)
  • Image(s) of billboard(s)
  • Committee name, not just the name of the candidate
  • Name and address of vendor/consultant, or employee
  • Price per insertion
  • Total purchase amount
  • Sales tax if applicable (NOTE: political campaigns are not tax exempt)
  • Amount due
  • For contract – dated signatures of vendor and candidate/treasurer

Media buyers and media outlets must also include a “Paid for by” statement, followed by the name of the campaign’s committee, on all advertisements.

Communication Type

“Paid for by” statement requirement

Print and internet ads

The statement must be in a font of conspicuous size and style contained in a box within the borders of the communication.

Radio/audio ads and communications

The statement must be clearly spoken at the beginning or end of the communication.

TV/video ads and communications

The statement must be written in a font of conspicuous size and style contained in a box within the borders of the communication and clearly spoken at the beginning or end of the communication.
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