What does media mail prohibit in its contents?

Media Mail is a specific postal service offered by the United States Postal Service that is designed to provide a cost-effective way to send educational materials, books, and certain other types of media. One of the key restrictions of Media Mail is that it prohibits the inclusion of advertising materials. This is to ensure that this mailing service remains focused primarily on non-commercial educational content, thus qualifying for lower postage rates.

This prohibition is vital as it distinguishes Media Mail from other mailing options that allow for advertising content, as allowing advertisements could undermine the intended purpose and economic benefits of using Media Mail. Items that qualify for Media Mail must adhere strictly to the guidelines that define acceptable contents, which helps maintain the integrity of this service.

While the other options might mention restrictions that apply in general postal regulations, they do not specifically address the unique guidelines set for Media Mail. Items over a certain weight limit or requiring special handling pertain to postal regulations but aren’t unique to Media Mail. Similarly, contraband items are prohibited across all mailing services and are not a specific characteristic of Media Mail restrictions. Focusing on educational and non-commercial materials ensures Media Mail provides economical options tailored to the needs of educational institutions, libraries, and similar entities.