Execs On Board With SAFE Act
• Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) on Tuesday introduced “The Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Advertising Act,” which would prevent the FCC from denying or otherwise penalizing broadcast stations that allow marijuana-related radio or TV ads as long as “the activities of the cannabis-related legitimate business or service provider were, at the time of the broadcast or other transmission of advertising,” were legal in the state, tribe or territory. That’s the word from the awesomely named online service, Marijuana Moment.
In a statement, Luján, who chairs the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Communications, Media & Broadband that has jurisdiction over FCC, said, “As more states enact common-sense cannabis legislation, it’s crucial that radio and TV stations can accept advertising without fear of losing their license.”
NAB President & CEO Curtis LeGeyt remarked, “Due to outdated government regulations, only local radio and television broadcasters face legal exposure for advertising cannabis products permitted under state law. The SAFE Advertising Act would finally level the playing field and create necessary regulatory certainty for broadcasters. We thank Sen. Luján for his leadership on this issue and we will continue working with policymakers to ensure there is a permanent resolution to this competitive disparity.”
Paula Maes, Pres./CEO of the New Mexico Broadcasters Association (NMBA) stated, “The members of the NMBA appreciate the efforts of Sen. Lujan and his staff. Their work on this bill which would allow cannabis advertising to air on New Mexico broadcasting is in step with state law and long overdue. Sen. Luján’s legislation helps remedy this unfair situation by recognizing the importance of state law in addressing cannabis issues.”
David Donovan, President of the NY State Broadcasters Association, and member of the Safe Advertising Coalition stated, “We applaud Senator Luján’s efforts to allow local radio and television broadcasters to accept cannabis advertisements consistent with the law of the state in which they are licensed. Local broadcasters are unable to accept these cannabis advertisements because they are licensed by the Federal Communications Commission. We look forward to working with Sen. Luján’s office to move this important legislation forward.”
