Why Subsidize the Soapbox? The McCain Free Airtime Proposal and the Future of Broadcasting
This report critiques Senator John McCain's proposal for free airtime for political campaigns, arguing it is based on flawed assumptions and would not serve the public interest.
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| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Report location: | source |
| Language: | English |
| Publisher: | CATO Institute |
| Authors: | Adam D. Thierer, John Samples |
| Geographic focus: | United States |
Methods
The research method involves analyzing the proposed Political Campaign Broadcast Activity Improvements Act, reviewing related research on campaign spending and advertising, and examining the historical and legal context of broadcast regulation.
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Key Insights
The report analyzes McCain's free airtime bill, which mandates broadcasters to provide airtime for political campaigns. It argues that the bill is based on incorrect assumptions about campaign spending and would not improve election discourse or serve the public interest. The report also challenges the traditional justifications for regulating broadcasting, suggesting that the spectrum should be managed as private property. It concludes that the bill would benefit incumbents and amount to hidden public financing of campaigns.
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Additional Viewpoints
Categories: English publication language | United States geographic scope | broadcast regulation | campaign spending | election discourse | first amendment | incumbency advantage | political advertising | property rights | public financing | public interest | spectrum management