Last month the FCC updated their rules on contests and sweepstakes that are advertised on TV and radio stations. The new rule is that as long as the rules are posted to a web site URL, then the full rules don’t need to be read on the air.

(And the TV and radio world all rejoiced! Hoorayyyyyyy!)

There are a few clarifications that go with this:

1. The web site URL must post the full rules for the promotion.
2. The rules must stay up on the web site for a full 30 days after the promotion end date and the prize is awarded. (MK would recommend that if you still don’t have a cleared winner after 30 days you leave the rules posted until you do!).
3. The URL must be mentioned the first time the contest or sweepstakes is mentioned on air, and if the contest is mentioned more than once, the URL should be mentioned as many times as “the average listener” would be able to know where to go.
4. The announcer doesn’t have to read the full URL, but they must give very specific directions on how to find them. For example, they could say go to ActionFigureContest.com and click on the link that says “Official Rules” for more information.
5. Similarly, if the user is directed to the station web site to find the rules, the web site must make it very obvious to visitors where to go to find the contest rules on their site.
6. You also can’t force people to register, pay for access or require log in to view the rules.

Hopefully these changes will make it easier for TV and radio stations to stay compliant with contests and sweepstakes!

If you have any legal questions about your contest or sweepstakes, contact us.

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