The Supreme Court has stepped into the escalating battle over broadcasters’ political advertising rates for a second time, temporarily blocking a federal appeals court order that would have forced the FCC to decide by noon Friday (Oct. 9) whether to uphold its disputed lowest unit charge policy. The move came just hours after the Fourth Circuit rejected emergency requests to delay its deadline.
Chief Justice John Roberts issued the stay Thursday, suspending the Fourth Circuit’s order pending further action by himself or the full Supreme Court. He also ordered the Democratic candidates challenging the FCC’s policy to respond to the government’s emergency application by 5pm Saturday (Oct. 10).
The decision marks a dramatic turnaround in a legal battle that has accelerated as the election approaches.
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