Equal Time Rule Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Equal Time Rule - Essay Example Discrimination on the basis of casts and sects has an overwhelming influence on the projection of events; for instance Republicans  were not at all bothered when episodes of  Law and Order  featuring Fred Thompson were run by cable networks, nor did other candidates ask for extra time after there was a parade of candidate appearances on Saturday Night Live. But a Trump declaration of a candidacy on  The  Apprentice had an immense impact (Podlas. 2009). The loosened government  Ã‚  restrictions on media ownership, and the Telecommunications Act 1996 passed by Congress  Ã‚  which allows companies to own even more media outlets  facilitates a candidate to receive more coverage than others. This media consolidation  has given birth to broadcasting monopolization allowing candidates and parties to receive more coverage than others.  Most of the nation’s newspapers are owned by the Hearst, Knight Ridder, and Gannett corporations, whereas many radio stations are possessed by Clear Channel Communications. The Walt Disney Corporation along with the Disney Channel and Viacom owns CBS, MTV, ABC and ESPN. Media consolidation limits consumers’ choices and eliminates the competitiveness due to restricted or manipulated news coverage by corporate owners. Kimberlianne Podlas. 2009. "â€Å"I’m a Politician, But I Don’t Play One on TV†: Applying the â€Å"Equal Time† Rule (Equally) to Actors-Turned-Candidates" retrieved on November 7’ 2011, retrieved from: