Election Law
Oprah Show on Obama Wasn’t a Campaign Contribution, FEC Rules
Posted Apr 14, 2009, 04:05 pm CST
By Martha Neil
An Oprah Winfrey show on then-presidential candidate Barack Obama didn't amount to an illegal campaign contribution, the Federal Election Commission has ruled.
Ruling on an administrative complaint that the popular daytime television show gave Obama a boost that his opponents didn't get, the FEC said a "media exemption" that excludes news and entertainment programs prevents Obama's appearance on the program from being considered a campaign contribution. In a decision posted yesterday, the FEC also notes that Winfrey herself also was not a candidate, reports the Washington Post.
The federal agency has notified both ABC and Winfrey's production company, Harpo Inc., of the dismissal of the complaint.
Additional coverage:
Christian Science Monitor: "Obama and the 'Oprah Effect': can she sway voters?"