KSL INVESTIGATES

Disinformation 2020: Political ads in the digital age

Mar 4, 2020, 10:40 AM | Updated: Feb 7, 2023, 3:30 pm

SALT LAKE CITY — As an increasing number of Americans are cutting the cord and watching TV on streaming services like Hulu and YouTube TV, you may be surprised to learn that federal election laws have yet to catch up with our viewing habits in this digital age.

Where you view a political advertisement absolutely matters. Those political ads that air online do not have to follow the same rules that political ads do on broadcast television. There are rules that have traditionally been followed on broadcast television.

“Political ads on KSL are highly regulated because we’re a broadcaster. We are a licensee of federal spectrum and, as a result, the regulations they could put in place apply to us,” Mike Dowdle, the Executive Vice President and General Counsel for Bonneville International Corporation, said. “They don’t apply to anybody but broadcasters.”

In fact, Dowdle – who works at KSL TV – says transparency is required with every political ad a station airs, so much so, they have to keep a record of each political ad buy with what’s called a “Candidate Advertisement Agreement Form.” The disclosure form has to be signed by a treasurer of a candidate’s campaign, acknowledging they approved the broadcast, disclosing who they are, and identifying who is purchasing the ad.

The Federal Election Commission, or FEC, can keep tabs on television ads, too.

“The government is looking at them. They’re going to raise issues with them,” added Dowdle.

Because candidates want to reach as many people as possible, it makes sense that campaigns are moving their ads online.

President Donald Trump took to Twitter on Saturday to post a video ad for his re-election campaign.

It’s important to remember, however, online those “disclosure and transparency” requirements don’t apply online.

“None of them are regulated like we are,” Dowdle said regarding political ads that appear online – whether on social media, streaming services, or any other digital platform, for that matter.

University of Utah political science professor Matthew Burbank says Americans need to pay close attention to the motive behind online political ads – especially those ads that never identify where they’re coming from or if the group is simply unrecognizable.

“Sometimes those are just variations of the ads that you see on TV and sometimes they are entirely different. Sometimes they’re from groups that aren’t even affiliated with the campaign at all. And so it’s very hard to know who’s producing that information and what their intent in in showing it is,” Burbank said.

“Campaigns have become more sophisticated in how they use media,” he added.

So, if an ad doesn’t identify who or what’s behind it? Proceed with caution.

“We don’t have any idea what they’re really up to or who’s funding them and so, the problem with those kinds of ads is they’re just a big question mark,” Burbank explained. “The primary takeaway, I think, is both to view those with skepticism yourself, but also what I would say very strongly is don’t share those on social media.”

If you recognize the source of a political ad as coming from a campaign or political party that you recognize, Burbank says you should evaluate the message as you see fit.

A ‘KSL Investigates’ Experiment On Streaming Services

Bloomberg Ad On Streaming - YouTube TV Bloomberg Ad On Streaming - YouTube TV Bernie Sanders Political Ad President Donald Trump Political Ad Posted To Twitter Joe Biden Political Ad Elizabeth Warren Political Ad On KSL-TV

In order to obtain a better understanding of how often political ads are popping up on streaming devices, the KSL Investigators logged into multiple streaming services in the week ahead of Super Tuesday – including YouTube-TV, Hulu, Sling, and Amazon – from multiple user accounts, to find out which ads we could catch.

In about 12 hours fast forwarding through various television shows on these streaming services, we came across more than 50 ads for Democratic presidential candidate Mike Bloomberg. According to Marketwatch, Bloomberg has spent $216 million in ads in Super Tuesday states, including Utah.

Sanders is the next closest campaign spender, totaling $16 million.

Have you experienced something you think just isn’t right? The KSL Investigators want to help. Visit KSLInvestigates.com to submit your tip, so we can get working for you. You Ask. KSL Investigates.

Related Links

Helpful information from the Federal Election Commission 

March 3, 2020: Election 2020

March 3, 2020: Is It Possible To Get A Do-Over If You Already Voted For Klobuchar Or Buttigieg?

Feb. 27, 2020: AP-NORC Poll: Election Security, Integrity Worry Americans

KSL 5 TV Live

KSL Investigates

Matt Gephardt meeting with Denis Hawkins after a rental car company after they ignored his calls fo...

Matt Gephardt

Get Gephardt helps Spanish Fork man clear up insurance claim for rental car damage

Get Gephardt clears up an international rental car insurance standstill.

14 hours ago

FILE - An airplane flies through the clouds in Salt Lake City. (Jeffrey D. Allred / Deseret News)...

Matt Gephardt

How recent airline incidents are changing habits and impacting airfare costs

After a year of headlines lamenting runway incursions and midair close calls, the wheels may be coming off for the airline industry. Literally.

2 days ago

Josh Kochevar died unexpectedly last month. The unhappy task of writing the obituary fell to his ol...

Matt Gephardt and Sloan Schrage

How scammers are using counterfeit obituaries to profit off deaths of loved ones

You have probably heard of stories where an empty home was burglarized while everyone was attending a funeral service. Or stories about thieves breaking into cars parked at a funeral. Now, artificial intelligence has opened a new way for crooks to capitalize on grief.

3 days ago

A person scanning a recently generated QR code....

Matt Gephardt and Sloan Schrage, KSL TV

How to protect yourself from fake QR codes scammers use to steal money and info

Here's what you need to know about QR codes and protecting yourself from scammers.

7 days ago

General view outside of the Delta Center ahead of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament on March 19,...

Matt Gephardt

NCAA Tournament basketball is coming to Salt Lake and so are the ticket scams

As March Madness excitement ramps up, so do the odds of buying pricey tickets to tournament games that turn out to be fakes or non-existent.

7 days ago

About a year ago, the KSL Investigators went under the hood of some "connected" smart cars to see w...

Matt Gephardt

Internet-connected cars may share driver info with insurance companies, what it means for premiums

some internet-connected vehicles are sharing our driving habits with our insurance companies

9 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Disinformation 2020: Political ads in the digital age