Byron Dorgan: “Mr. Copps makes the point that we give broadcasters the right to use the airwaves in exchange for their agreement to…”

“Mr. Copps makes the point that we give broadcasters the right to use the airwaves in exchange for their agreement to broadcast in the public interest. They don't own the airwaves. They are licensed to use them in exchange for broadcasting in the public interest. They also earn substantial money in broadcasting properties from advertising during television campaigns. It is expected they will earn nearly $1.5 billion from political advertising. What do we get in return? We get almost no coverage any longer, very spartan coverage of the two political conventions. Television and other executives say: That is because people can watch the conventions on cable television. Well, there are more channels. There is cable. But 35 million Americans don't get cable television. Let me take a look at what has happened, as Mr. Copps describes it in his piece. On Monday, August 30, the Republican Convention was held in New York. This is a Monday evening. None of the networks decided they would cover the Republican Convention. It is strange for me to be protesting that, but nonetheless I think the networks have a responsibility and should have had a responsibility to provide extensive coverage of both political conventions.”