Abstract

TV and the Campaign. Equal Time for Candidates

Prior to the nomination of Presidential candidates in 1952, the television network Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS) was several times approached by politician William R. Schneider. Convinced that both Republicans and Democrats were dangerously left-wing, he demanded air time in which to expound his own brand of political salvation. Very sensibly CBS turned him down. The Schneider case illustrates a problem which no one as yet has been able to solve. The question is, in an election year in the U.S. how can radio and television best meet the needs of the electorate. The broadcaster's only guide in this matter is Section 315 of the Communications Act which requires that, if a candidate for political office is granted air time, every other candidate for that office must be given equal time.