healthmyths
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Well the issue is that the networks violated the Equal Time Rule... when they gave the DNC 40% more coverage...
The equal-time rule specifies that U.S. radio and television broadcast stations must provide an equivalent opportunity to any opposing political candidates who request it. This means, for example, that if a station gives one free minute to a candidate on the prime time, it must do the same for another candidate.
However, there are four exceptions: if the air-time was in a documentary, bona fide news interview, scheduled newscast or an on-the-spot news event the equal-time rule is not valid. Since 1983, political debates not hosted by the media station are considered news events, thus may include only major-party candidates without having to offer air time to minor-party or independent candidates. Talk shows and other regular news programming from syndicators, such as Entertainment Tonight, are declared exempt from the rule by the FCC on a case-on-case basis.[1]
This rule originated in § 18 of the Radio Act of 1927 [1]. It was later superseded by the Communications Act of 1934, where the Equal Time Rule is codified as § 315(a).
Federal Communications Commission: Investigate the major networks violation of the FCC's "Equal-time rule"
The head of the Federal Communications Commission promised Thursday to enforce his agency’s regulations requiring television stations to give political candidates equal opportunities for airtime.
“The rules are pretty clear. Rules are rules,” FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler told reporters.
“I hope that we have developed a reputation as folks who enforce the rules.”
Hillary Clinton’s appearance earlier this month on Saturday Night Live could trigger the so-called “equal-time” rules, as could Donald Trump’s plan to host the long-running NBC comedy show next month. That doesn’t necessarily mean Lincoln Chafee will be the next host of SNL—but it could mean that local NBC affiliates across the country will have to give presidential candidates access to equal TV time.
Under a law passed in 1934, the FCC requires broadcast television and radio stations (but not cable channels) to give equal opportunities to “legally qualified” candidates. The law exempts news programs, which the FCC has broadly interpreted to include talk shows like The Tonight Show.
FCC Chief Vows to Require “Equal Time” on TV for Candidates
The equal-time rule specifies that U.S. radio and television broadcast stations must provide an equivalent opportunity to any opposing political candidates who request it. This means, for example, that if a station gives one free minute to a candidate on the prime time, it must do the same for another candidate.
However, there are four exceptions: if the air-time was in a documentary, bona fide news interview, scheduled newscast or an on-the-spot news event the equal-time rule is not valid. Since 1983, political debates not hosted by the media station are considered news events, thus may include only major-party candidates without having to offer air time to minor-party or independent candidates. Talk shows and other regular news programming from syndicators, such as Entertainment Tonight, are declared exempt from the rule by the FCC on a case-on-case basis.[1]
This rule originated in § 18 of the Radio Act of 1927 [1]. It was later superseded by the Communications Act of 1934, where the Equal Time Rule is codified as § 315(a).
Federal Communications Commission: Investigate the major networks violation of the FCC's "Equal-time rule"
The head of the Federal Communications Commission promised Thursday to enforce his agency’s regulations requiring television stations to give political candidates equal opportunities for airtime.
“The rules are pretty clear. Rules are rules,” FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler told reporters.
“I hope that we have developed a reputation as folks who enforce the rules.”
Hillary Clinton’s appearance earlier this month on Saturday Night Live could trigger the so-called “equal-time” rules, as could Donald Trump’s plan to host the long-running NBC comedy show next month. That doesn’t necessarily mean Lincoln Chafee will be the next host of SNL—but it could mean that local NBC affiliates across the country will have to give presidential candidates access to equal TV time.
Under a law passed in 1934, the FCC requires broadcast television and radio stations (but not cable channels) to give equal opportunities to “legally qualified” candidates. The law exempts news programs, which the FCC has broadly interpreted to include talk shows like The Tonight Show.
FCC Chief Vows to Require “Equal Time” on TV for Candidates