Do broadcasting laws require that equal air time be given to all candidates?
By Allegra Taylor
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NO
The equal-time rule does not require broadcasters to devote equal air-time to opposing political candidates. It does require them to offer the candidates an equal opportunity to purchase air-time (i.e., advertising) at an equal rate. The rule does not apply to documentaries, news interviews, scheduled newscasts, and on-the-spot news interviews.
The equal-time rule is often confused with the Federal Communications Commission fairness doctrine, a policy that required radio and television broadcasters to devote equal airtime to opposing viewpoints. It was effective from 1949 to 1987.
Both rules were made with respect to over-the-air radio and tv, not to cable, satellite or Internet-based services.
This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
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