Broadcasters condemned a bill that would require free airtime for...

broadcast time each even-numbered year to each qualified political candidate in a statewide or national election.” The bill also directs the FCC to make similar rules for cable operators. “NAB will strongly oppose efforts to impose government-mandated free airtime for politicians,” said an NAB spokesman. “We take seriously our role in covering elections. The unfortunate reality is that high-priced political consultants often advise political candidates to reject voluntary free airtime offers from broadcasters for debates and town hall forums.” All viable candidates should have reasonable access to the airwaves, said Meredith McGehee, policy director for Campaign Legal Center. Providing equal airtime to candidates serves the public interest and therefore should be part of broadcasters’ obligations, she said. The bill is especially important in the wake of the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision allowing corporate funding of political broadcasts, she said. Public Citizen supports the bill as a “good beginning for discussion” to lower campaign costs and improve political candidates’ access to the airwaves, said the group’s government affairs lobbyist Craig Holman. But it will be an “uphill battle” given the influence broadcasters hold over Congress, he said. NCTA didn’t comment.