Contracts; prohibiting advertisers from inhibiting publication or distribution of certain content. Effective date.
If enacted, SB1793 would modify existing laws related to advertising and content control in Oklahoma. By codifying the restrictions on how advertisers may handle content distribution, the bill could enhance protections for publishers and creators against arbitrary censorship by advertisers. This change may impact various sectors, particularly media and online platforms, in how they negotiate publishing agreements with advertisers. The effective date set for November 1, 2022, indicates a swift implementation plan following the legislative process.
Senate Bill 1793 aims to regulate the relationship between advertisers and the content they distribute or publish. The bill explicitly prohibits advertisers from inhibiting the publication or distribution of any content for which they have been compensated at a rate equal to or greater than that charged for similar content. This measure intends to ensure that advertisers do not engage in practices that could be seen as injurious to competition, thereby promoting a more transparent and fair marketplace for content distribution. The bill contains exceptions for content deemed illegal, defamatory, or infringing on privacy or intellectual property rights.
Discussion surrounding SB1793 has surfaced concerns regarding the implications for free speech and journalistic independence. While proponents argue that the bill fosters a competitive environment by ensuring that all content can be distributed regardless of the advertiser's preferences, opponents may view it as a potential overreach that could encourage publishers to allow objectionable content without sufficient editorial control. The exceptions outlined in the bill also raise questions about the balance between protecting free speech and enabling the regulation of unlawful or harmful content.