How do the Equal Time Rules work with these talk show appearances?

[jgraz]

Letterman had Hillary, TDS had Obama and Bill Maher just had Gravel on as a panelist. Are these shows now obligated to give time to the other candidates?

[Newsjock]

1. Nope

Talk shows are exempt.

[supernova]

2. We don't have equal time any more

that's what the fairness doctrine was about. No, these shows aren't obligated, in any legal sense, to offer time to the R candidates now. But they probably will just because they do need guests and the R candidates can always refuse if they feel they might catch a dose of the liberals.

[jgraz]

4. Then what's all the hoo-hah about Fred Thompson's L&O reruns?

Also, I seem to remember that Leno had to have all of the gubernatorial candidates on after he had Ahnuld as a guest.

[Vincardog]

3. No there is no FAIRNESS Doctrine RayGun killed it

[jgraz]

5. Ok, since I asked, I might as well use The Google

Here 'tis, fresh outta my tubes:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equal_time

The equal-time rule specifies that U.S. radio and television broadcast stations must provide an equivalent opportunity to any opposing political candidates who might request it. This means, for example that if a station gives one free minute to a candidate on the prime time, it must do the same to another.

However, there are four exceptions: if the air-time was in a documentary, bona fide news interview, scheduled newscast or an on-the-spot news event the equal-time rule is not valid. Since 1983, political debates not hosted by the media station are considered news events, thus may include only major-party candidates without having to offer air time to minor-party or independent candidates.

This rule originated in § 18 of the Radio Act of 1927<1>. It was later superseded by the Communications Act of 1934, where the Equal Time Rule is codified as § 315(a).

Another provision of § 315(a) prohibits stations from censoring campaign ads. A related provision, in § 315(b), requires that broadcasters offer time to candidates at the same rate as their "most favored advertiser".

The rule was created because FCC thought the stations could easily manipulate the outcome of the elections.

The Equal-time rule is sometimes confused with the Fairness Doctrine.

[Selatius]

6. Maher and Jon Stewart are not required to give equal air time even with the Fairness Doctrine

Because Maher and Stewart are on cable, not the air waves and not the radio waves, which is what the old doctrine regulated. Letterman, since his show is broad casted over the open air waves, would be required to provide equal air time.