Q: Are affiliates legally obligated to broadcast 1/2 hour network Obama special tonight?

[rvablue]

I ask this because I remember in the past some right wing owned affiliate stations (specifically some in VA) at some point refusing to air something they politically disagreed with.

I know my rememberance and example are VERY vague, but I just remember reading something on DU, maybe 3-4 years ago regarding this.

Any DUer remember any better than me or who want to set me straight....

[redqueen]

1. I'm sure there were agreements signed when the campaign bought the time.

So yes, I'm sure the ones who took the money are legally obligated to broadcast the speech.

[medicswife]

2. I remember they wouldn't air Nightline when Ted Koppel

read off all of the names of those who had been killed in Iraq. A lot of stations refused to air Nightline that evening. I think they will HAVE to air this though. It's been paid for.

[rvablue]

4. Thank you.....that's exactly what was gnawing at my brain

and that makes sense, this is paid for so they can't refuse, should've figured that one out on my own!

[Overseas]

5. Yes that was outrageous. Media so in the tank with Bush propagada

management that they wouldn't even allow the reading of the names of soldiers who died serving our country.

So in the tank with Bush propaganda that they've gone along with the dictum that no coffins or funerals will be shown either.

AND WE SAY WE HAVE A FREE PRESS?

Five conglomerates owned by Republicans who go along with Bush "suggestions."

[napi21]

3. I think you're referring the Sinclair Broadcasting. They refused to air some movie

that had a political link. That was different. This Obama broadcast tonight is "paid ad time", so if a network sold their air time, they are obligated to air the show.

[maseman]

6. If the network inks a deal then the local affilaite must carry it

Remember a local affiliate is essentially a franchise for the parent network. They don't usually have mush say in ignoring network programming. I would think that the network would be in breach of contract if some of their affilaites decided to dump it.

[WI_DEM]

7. not necessarily, there have been many instances of local affiliates not carrying a program

that some in there markets might feel is offensive or whatever.