Mandatory Television Access for Minor Party Presidential Candidates: Revamping Section 315 of the Equal Opportunities Doctrine

Authors

M. Shannon Underwood

Abstract

The Equal Opportunities Doctrine requires that broadcasters providing exposure to candidates make comparable time available to all other candidates for the same elective office. Unfortunately, the Doctrine has been emasculated by exemptions that provide the Republican and Democratic candidates with free air time while denying time to minor party candidates, thus frustrating the Doctrine's goal of informing the public of a wide array of political thought. This Note argues that the exemptions from the Doctrine should be narrowed and also advocates a system of mandatory access for political candidates based upon their showing in the polls.

Recommended Citation

M. Shannon Underwood, Mandatory Television Access for Minor Party Presidential Candidates: Revamping Section 315 of the Equal Opportunities Doctrine, 12 UC Law SF Comm. & Ent. L.J. 263 (1989).
Available at: https://repository.uclawsf.edu/hastings_comm_ent_law_journal/vol12/iss2/5