McCain going on Larry King is NOT giving him free airtime!

[maseman]

I know emotions are running very high everywhere. Including mine.

But McCain going on Larry King tonight is not giving him free airtime like I am reading all over DU. The laws are that a news or media organization must sell equal airtime for the same lowest unit rate to each candidate. They cannot charge Obama $1 million and McCain $20. In addition they cannot refuse to air an ad by one candiate and not the other.

In this case Larry King is having John McCain on his solo cable news show. Not exactly like Primetime network 3o minute infomercial. If Obama called Larry King and asked to be on tomorrow night at 9PM I guarantee they would say yes as it would translate into ratings.

[bushisanidiot]

1. If it's about ratings, then why does the candidate have to call CNN and ASK to let them on?

as I understand it, guests are usually INVITED on.. therefore, Larry King should soon be INVITING Barack Obama in for an interview in the next couple of days.

[MadBadger]

3. I feel like there is an open invitation to both candidates

Come on when you want

Within reason of course

[Lerkfish]

2. I think you're confusing interview time with paid advertising

[Redbear]

4. I saw a promo that Obama will be on LK this Friday. (n/t)