Equal-time rule
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The equal-time rule specifies that U.S. radio and television broadcast stations must provide an equivalent opportunity to any opposing political candidates who might 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 to another.
However, there are four exceptions: if the air-time was in a documentary, 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.
This rule was originally created by the Federal Communications Commission in 1927, in the Radio Act. It was later superseded by the Communications Act, where the Equal Time Rule lies under Section 315.
A related provision of Section 315 requires that broadcasters offer time to candidates at the same rate as their "most favored advertiser". Another provision prohibits stations from censoring campaign ads.
The rule was created because FCC thought the stations could easily manipulate the outcome of the elections.
The Equal-time rule is sometimes confused with the fairness doctrine.
[edit] External links
- Equal Time Rule in The Museum of Broadcast Communications
- Radio and TV Stations Required to Give Equal Time in Issues of Democracy
- Equal-time rule on Encyclopedia.com
- MSN Encarta - Equal Time Rule
