Congressman Foley Resigns

[jon1856]

Updates from the Newspapers Editorial/Op-Ed pages Cartoons:
http://cagle.com/news/FoleyFoibles/main.asp

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by DeltAlum

That's a newspaper. They don't have to worry about the FCC and equal opportunity. They can be editorialize all they want.

And, there's a huge difference between a report and an editorial.

True, but what you had said was: The folks I've heard or read about saying Hastert should resign are politicians -- Republicans and Democrats, not news organizations. While The Washington Times can indeed editorialize all it wants, and while the game rules are different for print news and broadcast news, it is still a news organization, not a politician. Thus, The Washington Time is a news organization that has called for Hastert's resignation.

[RU OX Alum]

why are the rules different for TV versus print?

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by RU OX Alum

why are the rules different for TV versus print?

Because the airwaves are considered public property that TV and radio stations are given a license by the federal government to use in the public interest. This being the case, broadcast news outlets are not supposed to "take sides," but are supposed to allow equal time to various positions. Unlike print news outlets, they are regulated by the FCC.

The rules are also somewhat different for broadcase news outlets like local news shows or ABC, CBS or NBC that do use the public airwaves as compared to purely cable or satellite news outlets like CNN and Fox, which don't use the public airwaves and which viewers pay to receive.

[RU OX Alum]

Originally Posted by MysticCat

Because the airwaves are considered public property that TV and radio stations are given a license by the federal government to use in the public interest. This being the case, broadcast news outlets are not supposed to "take sides," but are supposed to allow equal time to various positions. Unlike print news outlets, they are regulated by the FCC.

but they don't give equal time, I've never once see anyone do that, not even during the debates, they usually only have two candidates

[RU OX Alum]

plus, they usually just show their story and then that is it, there is usually not even any follow up

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by RU OX Alum

but they don't give equal time, I've never once see anyone do that, not even during the debates, they usually only have two candidates

Well, probably more often than not, races in this country only have two candidates. And if you're talking about presidential debates, they aren't hosted by the TV netwokrs, they're only broadcast by the networks. The host organization and the respective major campaigns decide on who's going to be invited.

I can remember many years ago, local stations provided a few minutes at the end of each broadcast for whoever wanted to speak -- whether a candidate or an "ordinary citizen" -- to do so. I haven't seen that much lately; perhaps debates have taken their place.

In any event, if you think a local station isn't doing right in this regard, you can complain to the FCC for consideration when the station's license is up for renewal. With newspapers, you have no one but the paper to complain to.

[DeltAlum]

Originally Posted by RU OX Alum

but they don't give equal time, I've never once see anyone do that, not even during the debates, they usually only have two candidates

Thankfully, (although you may not agree) the Communications Act, as amended, does allow the on air networks to disallow (or disregard) candidates and parties who have no reasonable chance of being a factor in any given race.

Otherwise the debates would be overrun by every little interest group who calls itself a party.

BTW, thanks to MysticCat for the explaination, which is right on the money.

[RU OX Alum]

well that's good, but the two parties on there now are just coalitions of special interest groups

but i really didn't mean just in elections, like sometimes they'll do a piece and then won't say anything else about it ever and I'm at home like WTF? riots in Europe? Coup in Thailand? Nope, something about illegal immigrints or something.

[DeltAlum]

Originally Posted by RU OX Alum

well that's good, but the two parties on there now are just coalitions of special interest groups

but i really didn't mean just in elections, like sometimes they'll do a piece and then won't say anything else about it ever and I'm at home like WTF? riots in Europe? Coup in Thailand? Nope, something about illegal immigrints or something.

Sorry, but I don't under your comments and question.

[_Opi_]

Are we ever going to stop hearing about Foley? Or do we have to wait until November? I mean, he did a very bad thing. Do what needs to be done to him. But I don't like how the news keeps dragging this story on ...

[DeltAlum]

Originally Posted by _Opi_

But I don't like how the news keeps dragging this story on ...

It will last at least until the elections, especially since control of Congress is potentially riding on a few select races and this situation can have an impact on that balance. The particular story itself may be worn out, but the outcome of the election is much bigger.

[Greekopedia]

i actually met this guy a few months ago.

this story just freaked me out... can't believe stuff like this still exists

[jon1856]

Interesting blog from site better known for its Op-Ed cartoon postings:
http://www.cagle.com/news/blog/

Current library of Foley related Op-Ed cartoons:
http://www.cagle.com/news/FoleyFoibles/main.asp

http://www.cagle.com/politicalcartoons/

[MysticCat]

Okay, I'll readilt admit it. This is a low blow to post, but I just can't resist the temptation. I'll do some penance later.

Foley and Scientology: disgraced congressman linked to CoS?