(a) (1) An owner, licensee, or operator of a television or radio station or network of stations and his agents or employees may be liable for a defamatory statement published or uttered over the facilities of the station or network of stations by a candidate for public office as to a person other than his opponent.
(2) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, the liability is limited to compensation for actual damages sustained.
(b) Upon proof of actual malice on part of the owner, licensee, or operator of the broadcasting station or network of stations and his agents or employees, punitive damages may be assessed.