Supreme Court Upholds McCain-Feingold TV Ad Restrictions

The Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld the campaign finance reform laws passed last year that included restrictions on broadcast issue ads. The court ruled 5-4 to allow the ban on soft money -- unlimited donations from individuals, corporations and labor unions to political parties --and to maintain the restrictions on attack ads.

NAB President and CEO Edward. Fritts said it would take some time to assess the full impact on broadcasters.

"The decision by the Supreme Court will cause substantial changes in the manner in which federal candidates utilize broadcasting to reach the voters. This is a complex 300-page opinion that will require extensive evaluation before its full impact is understood."