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NAB responds to election coverage criticism

The NAB has answered a pair of important Washington chairmen, responding to criticism of the level of political coverage provided by US broadcasters. President/CEO Eddie Fritts said that, contrary to perceptions, the industry is doing a good job of covering elections.

Fritts used the opportunity to note that the FCC in particular could take a regulatory step which would greatly enhance broadcasters' ability to provide coverage - - requiring cable systems to carry DTV multicasting. Fritts noted that "...a number of broadcast companies have filed comments with the FCC pledging to use this spectrum to increase news and public affairs coverage."

He continued, "But unfortunately, the giant cable companies - - who are anxious to avoid competition from a multiplicity of free local broadcast channels - -have lobbied fiercely to block adoption of this FCC rule that would ensure consumer access to hundreds of more program options."

Fritts was responding to a letter sent last month by Senate Commerce Committee Chairman John McCain (R-AZ) and FCC Chairman Michael Powell (6/17/04 RBR Daily Epaper #118). It was addressed to leading executives in the broadcasting industry, Fritts among them.

The duo was concerned about reports and studies of shoddy coverage. "However, in the seven weeks leading up to election day 2002, more than half of all top-rated local news broadcasts did not have any campaign coverage whatsoever according to a report by the University of Southern California's Annenberg School and the University of Wisconsin," they wrote.

The McCain/Powell letter concluded, "Therefore, we challenge all local broadcast television and local broadcast radio stations to ensure they are providing their local communities with significant information on the political issues facing the community, candidates' campaign platforms, and candidate debates during this election year. We hope those in your industry not already offering such news coverage agree to accept the challenge and we look forward to hearing from all broadcasters on their specific plans to further educate voters during this election year."

Fritts sent along an NAB newsletter detailing plans of many broadcasters to step up their election coverage. He also noted problems encountered in attempting to do this. "We also are frustrated that politicians frequently reject the many offers from local radio and television station to appear on air to discuss issues and debate their opponents."

The June/July 2004 issue of NAB publication "At Your Service" listed many broadcast groups with expanded election coverage initiatives, including Belo Corporation, Capitol Broadcasting, Citadel Communications, Clear Channel Television, Cox Television, Dispatch Broadcasting Group, E.W. Scripps, Fisher Broadcasting, Granite Broadcasting, Hearst-Argyle Television, Liberty Corporation, Media General Broadcast Group, Post-Newsweek Stations and The New York Times Co. Broadcast Group.

The information package also went out to NAB members. Fritts said he expected more companies to add their names to the list as November approaches. Saying that criticism of broadcast efforts is overblown, Fritts urged the provision of "compelling, in-depth campaign coverage and public affairs coverage." He also urged that broadcasters not keep such coverage a secret. "NAB stands ready to help promote your offers of free political airtime on the NAB home page's 'Debate Tracker' section."