Scripps opens its airwaves to political candidates

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For the sixth election cycle in a row, the E.W. Scripps Company is offering free airtime to candidates for office in the 2010 midterm general elections. The company operates ABC affiliates in six Nielsen DMAs and NBC affiliates in three. The access will be between the hours of 5PM-11:35PM, during the 30 days prior to the election.


The company has been making time available to candidates since the 2000 elections. Candidates have access to five free minutes. Scripps says that it is available in “a variety of formats including debates, extended interviews, issue statements or responses to citizens’ inquiries.”

“As journalists and broadcasters, we are proud to continue our heritage of promoting public discourse and a strong democracy,” said Brian Lawlor, SVP for the Scripps television division. “Through Democracy 2010, Scripps will concentrate on bringing individual citizens and groups of citizens into an active dialogue with candidates.”

Scripps will also provide election content on its station websites; encourage citizens to vote; and concentrate on issues of local interest in its news coverage.

The company’s ABC affiliates include WXYZ in Detroit MI; WCPO in Cincinnati OH; WEWS in Cleveland OH; WFTS in Tampa FL.; WMAR in Baltimore MD; and KNXV in Phoenix AZ. NBC affiliates WPTV in West Palm Beach FL; KSHB in Kansas City MO; and KJRH in Tulsa OK.