| The Equal Time Rule requires broadcasters to provide equivalent amounts of time for political advertising to opposing candidates. Only nonbiased newscasting is exempt from this 1934 Act. The rule has become increasingly important because of the development of television as an effective campaign tool. During recent elections, candidates for various offices have not only appeared in paid commercials for their own campaigns, but have also appeared on various news programs to present their views to the United States public. On February 16, 1992, the Cable News Network broadcast a debate among the five United States Democratic presidential candidates, seen here from left to right: Senator Tom Harkin, Governor Bill Clinton, Senator Bob Kerrey, former Senator Paul Tsongas, and former Governor Jerry Brown with host Bernard Shaw (back to camera). |
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