Edward O. Fritts

In the following viewpoint, Edward O. Fritts argues that television broadcasters should not be required to give political candidates free airtime. According to the author, candidates already receive extensive airtime in the form of debates and news coverage. Further, he cites studies showing that candidates do not use all the free airtime that they are currently offered. Edward O. Fritts is president and CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. According to the author, what did Dwight Morris’s study of the 1990 and 1994 political campaigns reveal about rising campaign costs?
2. What does this viewpoint reveal about the March 12, 1996, Wisconsin primary debates?
3. What does Fritts conclude about the constitutionality of publicly funded campaigns"

If campaign finance reform is the answer, what is the question? That...