[via email]

WA Green Party Candidate asserts right to be heard in debate

See pdf. file at the site and view the arrest of Aaron Dixon.

Is Political Speech really being protected by the current "standards for debate" as set by corporate bosses of the media industry?

I called KING 5 station and they said all of their standards are reviewed by the legal team at "corporate" in Texas. Belo is the name and they are not local but they have affected who got to be on our local TV broadcast coverage of a senatorial debate.

http://www.belo.com/
http://www.belo.com/files/Code_Business_Conduct.pdf
http://www.belo.com/sitemap.x2
http://www.belo.com/about/facts.x2
http://www.belo.com/newsroom/contact.x2
http://www.belo.com/companies/region.x2
http://www.belo.com/about/additionalManagement.x2

CONTACT: Carey Hendrickson,
vice president-Investor Relations & Corporate Communications of
Belo Corp., +1-214-977-6626

[excerpt from a recent letter to employees] http://www.belo.com/pressReleases/files/2006_Employee_Update.pdf ".....Our television operations have experienced significant political advertising revenue as we approach the height of election season. Paid advertising by candidates across the nation is projected to be strong. For the sixth consecutive election cycle, Belo's news-producing stations are airing "It's Your Time," an initiative that gives free air time to qualifying gubernatorial and congressional candidates and commits to broadcast at least one hour each week of political coverage for six weeks before the general election. Overall, Belo's Television Group has performed very well both operationally and financially so far this year, with revenues advancing seven percent -- one of the best performances in the television industry..."

[note the word "qualifying" refers to the "standards of debate" as set forth by whom and legally supported by what findings?]

Electoral Reform must include equal access to the airwaves for candidates in the debates.

We should not allow corporations to hi-jack the forum for real debate and exposure of the candidates. Let the people decide who they want after seeing ALL the contenders not just the ones that have corporate (big money) behind them. We must hammer this point home until we see the real diversity in the public forum.

People should call King 5 or email them to let them know you are disappointed in their interpretation of "political speech" equal time requirements as set by the FCC and that you want them to act in your interest (the public's interest). Link.

Mailing Address
KING 5 Television
333 Dexter Ave. N
Seattle, WA 98109
Phone: 206-448-5555

You can also contact the FCC to file a complaint against King5 for violating a candidate's "political speech" equal access right. here. [note the fcc uses the words "legally qualified" while the corporate advisory people used a standard that may not hold up as "legally qualified" in the eyes of the law.]

I believe this is the question. I was not able to find the contact info for the "Belo Legal Team" yet. I would like to find out what "legal" criteria they are using to set debate "qualifying" thresholds for political debate forums.

Aaron Dixon was a legally qualified candidate in the state's eyes...he met all the criteria to be on the ballot...he is in the general election voting pamphlet.

I believe, there is a legal leg to stand on here. Just a matter of finding its strongest footing. Will $ (money) be allowed to trump grassroots voices, values and ideas?

Solidarity,
Taryn Gearhart

pdf. link (see pg 41 esp.)