Beyond the 30-Second Spot: Enhancing the Media's Role in Congressional Campaigns

The potential of radio, television and more recently cable to serve as this country's electronic soapbox has long been recognized. Yet, during every election period there are complaints about the way candidates use the electronic media. As disenchantment with the current system has mounted, commentators and members of Congress have proposed ways to change the laws governing political broadcasting. This study analyzes these proposals that would reform political advertising.