Unless there is something I don't understand, the networks doing the debates have the control. The difference in how they wrote is vast.
Obama Asks Dean to Drop Restrictions on DebatesSen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) is joining with top bloggers and technology leaders in asking the Democratic National Committee to make all video of Democratic presidential debates available for free after they air.
In a letter sent to DNC chairman Howard Dean earlier today, Obama suggests debate video should be placed in the public domain, or licensed under a Creative Commons (Attribution) license. Such licenses allow authors, musicians, producers, scientists, etc. to pick and choose the copyright freedoms to apply to their work.
The post even mentions Obama might not take part if Dean does not do this.
Well, many of the debates are done by the media groups. So this makes more sense.
Edwards to Networks: Free the Debates!With a copy to Governor Dean at the DNC. Done as it should be done.
MoveOn just forwarded me a letter that John Edwards sent to the heads of the networks asking them to free the debates for our online use. Addressed to Jim Walton - CNN, Leslie Moonves - CBS, Jeffrey Zucker -- NBC Universal, Anne Sweeney -- Disney-ABC, Paula Kerger - PBS, and Howard Dean of the DNC, it says:
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Selecting a president is the most important responsibility Americans have. In an age of 30-second ads, 7-second sound bites and media consolidation, making an informed decision is harder than ever.That is why I am asking each news network to make video footage from the presidential debates that they broadcast available on the internet for the public to view and use responsibly. I am also asking Chairman Dean, who is playing a valuable role in organizing many of the Democratic primary debates, to use his influence with the networks to make the debates more broadly available.
The Creative Commons license terms offer an easy way to ensure that the networks' rights are protected. Much of the content on my own campaign web site is available under just such a license. Commercial constraints are severe enough in their effect in diluting the substance of our campaigns. Limiting access to long-form televised debates makes matters worse.
More at the link. Going to the right sources. Unless I am missing something those media groups are more likely to have the power to do this releasing.