CONTACT:
Alana Joyce
Executive Director
703-245-8021
[email protected]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 5, 2023
AAPC Applauds Twitter’s Decision To Allow For Political Speech and the Democratic Process
MCLEAN, VA – The American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC) applauds Twitter’s decision
to allow cause-based ads and the return of political advertising on the platform. Social media platforms
are a critical means for campaigns to reach a broad audience of voters, especially young and diverse
audiences who may not access traditional forms of media.
“Twitter’s plans to reinstate cause-based advertising on its platform is a major win for the democratic
process and the ability for campaigns to inform voters about issues they care about,” said Becki Donatelli,
Republican consultant and President of AAPC.
AAPC also applauds Twitter for stating their advertising policy will align with that of TV and other
media outlets.
“Leveling the playing field for political advertising allows candidates and issue organizations to clearly
communicate with voters across all demographic and socioeconomic backgrounds, especially as
consumer media habits change. Newer platforms, like streaming tv and radio, should follow Twitter’s
example to allow direct communication with voters,” said Larry Huynh, Democratic consultant and Vice
President of AAPC.
AAPC steadfastly supports the foundational principles of political free speech enshrined in the U.S.
Constitution and urges full access to social media networks, email service providers, texting platforms,
and digital news and content publishers for all official campaigns and political and non-profit
organizations.
AAPC believes that suppression of political advertising ultimately reduces the ability of people to
participate and learn about the democratic process – including the candidates, and political organizations,
and policy issues that matter to them. Suppressing advertising is restricting free speech and an official
campaign's ability to reach a broad community online.
AAPC stands ready to work with all media partners to develop strong policies to uncover and stop
misinformation while protecting free speech for campaigns and issue advocacy efforts.
###
About AAPC
Founded in 1969, the AAPC is a multi-partisan organization of political and public affairs professionals
dedicated to improving democracy. The AAPC has over 1,600 members hailing from all corners of the
globe. It is the largest association of political and public affairs professionals in the world. The AAPC
Foundation supports efforts to protect free speech, defend democracy, and prepare the next generation of
political consultants to thrive. For more information, see www.theaapc.org.
2023 Southern Regional Conference
2023 Pollie Contest Regular Deadline is January 27
AAPC Applauds Twitter’s Decision To Allow For Political Speech and the Democratic Process
CONTACT:
Alana Joyce
Executive Director
703-245-8021
[email protected]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 5, 2023
AAPC Applauds Twitter’s Decision To Allow For Political Speech and the Democratic Process
MCLEAN, VA – The American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC) applauds Twitter’s decision
to allow cause-based ads and the return of political advertising on the platform. Social media platforms
are a critical means for campaigns to reach a broad audience of voters, especially young and diverse
audiences who may not access traditional forms of media.
“Twitter’s plans to reinstate cause-based advertising on its platform is a major win for the democratic
process and the ability for campaigns to inform voters about issues they care about,” said Becki Donatelli,
Republican consultant and President of AAPC.
AAPC also applauds Twitter for stating their advertising policy will align with that of TV and other
media outlets.
“Leveling the playing field for political advertising allows candidates and issue organizations to clearly
communicate with voters across all demographic and socioeconomic backgrounds, especially as
consumer media habits change. Newer platforms, like streaming tv and radio, should follow Twitter’s
example to allow direct communication with voters,” said Larry Huynh, Democratic consultant and Vice
President of AAPC.
AAPC steadfastly supports the foundational principles of political free speech enshrined in the U.S.
Constitution and urges full access to social media networks, email service providers, texting platforms,
and digital news and content publishers for all official campaigns and political and non-profit
organizations.
AAPC believes that suppression of political advertising ultimately reduces the ability of people to
participate and learn about the democratic process – including the candidates, and political organizations,
and policy issues that matter to them. Suppressing advertising is restricting free speech and an official
campaign's ability to reach a broad community online.
AAPC stands ready to work with all media partners to develop strong policies to uncover and stop
misinformation while protecting free speech for campaigns and issue advocacy efforts.
###
About AAPC
Founded in 1969, the AAPC is a multi-partisan organization of political and public affairs professionals
dedicated to improving democracy. The AAPC has over 1,600 members hailing from all corners of the
globe. It is the largest association of political and public affairs professionals in the world. The AAPC
Foundation supports efforts to protect free speech, defend democracy, and prepare the next generation of
political consultants to thrive. For more information, see www.theaapc.org.
AAPC Holiday Office Closure
FEC Approves Final Rules on Digital Ad Disclaimers and Announces Notices of Proposed Rulemaking on Additional Disclaimer Rules
December 5, 2022
FEC Approves Final Rules on Digital Ad Disclaimers and Announces Notices of Proposed Rulemaking on Additional Disclaimer Rules
The FEC approved a Final Rule on December 1 revising the disclaimer requirements for public communications placed on the internet for a fee. The amendments revise the definition of “public communication” to clarify how it applies to the internet. The amendments also outline what disclaimers are now required based on the type of internet ad. The Final Rule still must be approved by Congress before it is given an effective date.
The current definition of “public communication” includes only internet ads “placed for a fee on another person’s website.” The new definition includes “communications placed for a fee on another person’s website, digital device, application, or advertising platform.” However, the Commission does not define “digital device,” “application,” or “advertising platform.”
About AAPC
Founded in 1969, the AAPC is a multi-partisan organization of political and public affairs professionals dedicated to improving democracy. The AAPC has over 1,500 members hailing from all corners of the globe. It is the largest association of political and public affairs professionals in the world. For more information, see www.theaapc.org.
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2023 Pollie Conference Registration is Now Open!
After registering you’ll get access to book your hotel reservations within our discounted block of rooms at the luxurious conference host hotel, La Quinta Resort & Club. The room block will fill up quickly and our group rate of $299 will not be available after the block is full, so don’t delay!
Where: La Quinta Resort & Club, La Quinta, CA
La Quinta Resort & Club is located in the beautiful Coachella Valley, a short drive from Palm Springs.
When: April 18-20, 2023
Interested in showcasing your company in Palm Springs? Contact Debbie Thomas to learn more about our sponsorship opportunities!
AAPC Files Comments Citing Concerns with Proposed FCC Rules on Text Messaging
CONTACT:
Robyn Matthews
Director, Advocacy and Industry Relations
703-935-2282
[email protected]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 11, 2022
AAPC FILES COMMENTS CITING CONCERNS WITH PROPOSED FCC RULES ON TEXT MESSAGING
AAPC Supports Industry Efforts to Target Scam and Spam Text Messaging While Protecting Political Free Speech
MCLEAN, VA – The American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC) submitted comments to the Federal Communications Commission yesterday regarding a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Targeting and Eliminating Unlawful Text Messages. AAPC’s Comments, on behalf of its more than 1,600 bipartisan members hailing from all across the United States, oppose the proposed rules citing First Amendment concerns, authentication protocols, and the timing of implementation that could adversely impact voter contact and opinion research efforts before the 2024 Presidential cycle.
AAPC members are experts on political campaigns and are skilled in general consulting, digital campaigns, media buying, polling, data and analytics, fundraising, and campaign technology.
View AAPC’s Comments
The FCC released the NPRM on September 27, 2022, and it was published in the Federal Register on October 11, 2022, prompting a 30-day public comment period. The FCC has until November 25, 2022, to respond to public comments.
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About AAPC
Founded in 1969, the AAPC is a multi-partisan organization of political and public affairs professionals dedicated to improving democracy. The AAPC has over 1,500 members hailing from all corners of the globe. It is the largest association of political and public affairs professionals in the world. For more information, see www.theaapc.org.
The 2023 Pollie Contest is Open!
Submit your work by Dec. 15th to receive low Early Bird Entry fees at just $99!
We can’t wait to see the amazing work you’ve produced to engage and mobilize the electorate during such a busy midterm cycle. Whether you work for a large firm or act as an individual consultant, all of your political communications work is welcome!
With our low Early Bird Entry fees, just $99 for members through December 15th, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to vie for the gold standard for excellence in political communications — the Pollie Awards!
Plus! If you produced work for local or state level campaigns this year, you’ll enjoy low entry fees at just $49 when you enter our Regional Division.
New Event! 2022 Midterms: Straight from the Strategists
Get a first look behind the pivotal moments and key decisions of the cycle—from the people that made them!
A bipartisan panel of leaders from the major party committees and IEs will share their perspectives on competitive House and Senate campaigns and what factors– planned and unplanned—influenced their thinking throughout the primary and general campaigns.
This “first draft” download of the 2022 Election will be moderated for the political consulting industry by AAPC President Becki Donatelli and AAPC Vice President Larry Huynh.
Attendance to this event is by invitation only and is limited. There is no fee to register, but you must be an AAPC member, sponsor or invited guest of the AAPC to attend. Click here to request an invitation.
When: November 15th, 2022
Where: Hilton Washington D.C. Capitol Hill.
Attendance to this event is by invitation only and is limited. There is no fee to register, but you must be an AAPC member, sponsor or invited guest of the AAPC to attend. Click here to request an invitation.
AAPC Condemns Netflix Decision to Deny Access for Political Speech and the Democratic Process
CONTACT:
Alana Joyce
Executive Director
703-245-8021
[email protected]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 13, 2022
AAPC CONDEMNS NETFLIX DECISION TO DENY ACCESS FOR POLITICAL SPEECH AND THE DEMOCRATIC PROCESS
MCLEAN, VA – The American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC) opposes Netflix’s decision to ban political campaign and issue ads on Netflix’s ad-supported streaming service. Streaming services have become a critical means for campaigns to reach a broad audience of voters, especially young and diverse audiences who may not access traditional forms of media.
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About AAPC
Founded in 1969, the AAPC is a multi-partisan organization of political and public affairs professionals dedicated to improving democracy. The AAPC has over 1,500 members hailing from all corners of the globe. It is the largest association of political and public affairs professionals in the world. The AAPC Foundation supports efforts to protect free speech, defend democracy, and prepare the next generation of political consultants to thrive. For more information, see www.theaapc.org.