Are broadcasting networks legally obligated to air presidential speeches?
The decision to air a presidential election address is not always a straightforward one for major US television networks. In some instances, networks may choose to prioritise their commercial interests over airing a presidential election address, especially during primetime.
In 2014, this was the case when ABC, CBS, and NBC declined to air President Obama's speech on immigration reform. The reasons for this decision were not publicly disclosed. However, it is worth noting that a similar decision was made in 2001 for one of George W. Bush's speeches, despite the White House's request.
Fast forward to 2019, the major networks agreed to President Donald Trump's request for eight minutes to address the nation on immigration policy. The subsequent Democratic rebuttal was also broadcast by most networks.
The decision to air a presidential election address is often influenced by its newsworthiness. Networks have the discretion to broadcast or report on a presidential election's speech as they see fit. This decision is not mandated by law, but networks are expected to uphold certain agreements to avoid fines or revocation of licenses from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
In the United States, the president typically communicates with the nation via television. However, networks can lose millions in advertising revenue by providing free airtime for a presidential election address. This was evident in 2009 when Fox declined to show a Barack Obama news conference during primetime due to lost advertising revenue.
Local broadcast stations, on the other hand, must prove they are performing public service to continue operating. This includes showing presidential election addresses. In the event of a presidential election address, local stations may choose to carry the speech live, or they may choose to report on it after the fact.
Refusing a presidential election's direct request to broadcasters can have implications. It can make networks appear unpatriotic and the presidential election weak. However, the decision to air a presidential election address is a complex one, with commercial considerations, newsworthiness, and public service obligations all playing a role.
This article is based on the research of Smith and Byers. It is important to note that the specific event mentioned is President Trump's immigration policy address in January 2019, and the subsequent Democratic rebuttal.
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