Court hears arguments over anti-Hillary movie - Page 2

sugarpop · 03-26-2009, 06:20 PM

I believe they blocked it because the advertising on TV and radio would violate the McCain/Fiengold bill on equal access time. The guy (who made the movie) admitted in an interview last night on MSNBC that he made the movie and tried to release it during an election year specifically to take it to the Supreme Court and get a ruling. Personally, I think it probably is a violation of free speech, but I do see the conflict as well.

The election/campaign process needs reforming. There is apparently a bill being introduced that would end the process as it is now and have all campaigns be publicly financed. I have said this should happen, and that all campaigns should only last about 4 months, with weekly debates with ALL candidates, and free commerical airtime divided equally among candidates. Since the airwaves are supposed to be owned by the people, corporations who own networks and make money should be required to donate that time.

DanaC · 03-29-2009, 08:05 AM

Well, according to that article it's not just the timing of the release but the nature of the funding source that makes it a problem. If something is funded by a union or corporation then it seems to tread on the rules. The same film made by a private individual would not transgress, no matter how close to the election. Then it's a matter of what rules and regs the carrying network or channel is expected to follow on airing it.

03-26-2009, 06:20 PM	#1
sugarpop Professor Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: the edge of the abyss Posts: 1,947	I believe they blocked it because the advertising on TV and radio would violate the McCain/Fiengold bill on equal access time. The guy (who made the movie) admitted in an interview last night on MSNBC that he made the movie and tried to release it during an election year specifically to take it to the Supreme Court and get a ruling. Personally, I think it probably is a violation of free speech, but I do see the conflict as well. The election/campaign process needs reforming. There is apparently a bill being introduced that would end the process as it is now and have all campaigns be publicly financed. I have said this should happen, and that all campaigns should only last about 4 months, with weekly debates with ALL candidates, and free commerical airtime divided equally among candidates. Since the airwaves are supposed to be owned by the people, corporations who own networks and make money should be required to donate that time.

03-29-2009, 08:05 AM	#2
DanaC We have to go back, Kate! Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Yorkshire Posts: 25,964	Well, according to that article it's not just the timing of the release but the nature of the funding source that makes it a problem. If something is funded by a union or corporation then it seems to tread on the rules. The same film made by a private individual would not transgress, no matter how close to the election. Then it's a matter of what rules and regs the carrying network or channel is expected to follow on airing it.

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