Will the networks 'break the rules' next debate?

[Smacker]

One of the debates rules is that candidates only appear on screen while they were talking. No cut aways or split screens. After the first debate, that must be more than most TV stations can take. Who wants to miss the moment when Bush collapses, or spontaneously ignites, or throws his podium at Lehrer?

So, are we going to see more cut aways and split screens next time, or will the 'rules' be in conspicuous compliance for the rest of the debates?

[Dookus]

1. The networks never agreed to any such rule

the parties negotiating the rules have no right to place such restrictions on the networks. I believe they will continue to show cutaways.

[Massacure]

2. CSPAN had a split screen the entire time.

You could see them take nokes, drink water, Bush even looked like he was day dreaming for a moment.

[Smacker]

3. That's my point...

We saw the whole thing on C-Span, with occasional flipping (sorry) to the other networks. The difference was dramatic, the split-screens showed every expression. It's almost as if Bush thought he was off-camera while he was dissembling (but only almost - I think he was actually falling apart in real time). Which is why I asked whether others thought that the TV stations would be 'required' to toe the line next time. It would say a lot about freedom of the press etc. I can't see Rave and Chainy tolerating it again, so what's their first and only reponse?