How is Obama expecting to work the Free Television and Radio advertising bill if it passes?

PaulaM · 28-04-08

I am sure that it would pass with flying colors because it is not like Congress would vote against it because they would be saving money also. I am employed at a radio station and I am just wondering if anyone can explain how he plans on having that work? Do we just turn over all of our time to any politician that wants to run advertising? What if there is no room for them to run? What about News paper and online? Why just Tv and Radio?? I just do not understand what he can be thinking!!It is under : Barack Obama on Government Reform Public campaign financing with free television & radio time. (Aug 2007)This is the site I found it at:http://www.issues2000.org/Senate/Barack_Obama.htm

TheHammer · 28-04-08

Just because he can do it, didn't you realize that you in radio and TV actually work for the government, it's the american air waves.The Bill of Rights came a little too early for you to be included under the freedom of the press angle.

Cory · 29-04-08

Hey Paula. I've been out of the business for a couple of years but I hadn't heard about the bill (and don't see any easily found information on Google). I suspect the idea for licensed broadcasting stations to provide a set amount of air time for political ads free of charge?If so, my guess would be that the argument will be that it's public service/serving public interest, which as you know is a requirement (damn those PSA's) in order to retain the station's license. Print media has no such requirement so that's why it wouldn't be affected.On one hand it's beneficial in keeping campaign costs down which means it should open the door for more candidates to run and should (ideally) limit the influence of special interests groups/lobbyists whose funding is typically needed because of the advertising costs involved in campaigning. On the flip side, that will affect ad revenue for those stations and less money likely means lower pay for employees and perhaps less benefits (I always wondered why I never had dental -- don't air talent need teeth? LOL)Do you have a link for any information on this? Does R&R have a story?I should add that the one aspect I find troubling about this is I recently read a story about Obama planning a new campaign of 2:00 spots. If that became acceptable and free under any kind of bill, I can't even imagine what that would do for the industry. Considering most spot breaks are around 3:30 or so, that's over 50% of the break for a political ad.Edit: Thanks for the link! I haven't spotted any legislation that has been introduced which would cause that to happen but I will say this about Obama: if nominated, he seems very unlikely to stick to the public finance promise he made last year. He's already shied away from the discussion several times because of the donations he gets and it's debatable whether or not he'd have the lead if it wasn't for all of that money. Because of that, I don't think this will be pushed anywhere. I think it's one of those "it sounds good to voters" things that politicians say. In addition, if it DID become a passed bill, it would only affect the general election (thankfully) and stations would have two or three "clients" probably allowed no more than four or five free ads per day -- which as you know is very different from the rate they are currently running paid ads. That will still affect station revenue (unless there is federal subsidizing) but it shouldn't be as bad as it seems. However, without seeing a detailed plan it's hard to say what the idea really is but it appears there really is no plan at the moment, just the "idea" for a plan.

Babchie8 · 29-04-08

He doesn't really care. He and Hill are blowing their bankroll on the primary, so they won't have any $$ left for the general election. Forcing private enterprise to pay for THEIR ads is the only way either of them will be able to compete.

beetlejuiceonline · 29-04-08

Other countries actually have laws that force tv stations to give time to Political ads or broadcasts. Seems strange I know, but it has been working in other countries for years.It does seem unfair to the owners of these media outlets as they would be losing income.