Advocates said they hoped the free time spots would be more issue-oriented than news coverage, more frequent and engaging than debates, and more accurate than paid ads. Proponents also said the spots would reduce candidates' reliance on political ads, the primary cause of skyrocketing campaign costs. In February, Rupert Murdoch announced that Fox would offer a series of short blocks of free television time to the major-party candidates. The group suggested airing the segments in prime time on alternating nights in the weeks before Election Day to spur a running debate between the candidates. The networks did not adopt the roadblocking proposal.
Candidates choose topics.
During Inside Politics Candidates on alternate days. Candidates choose topics. At end of local evening newscasts Candidates on alternate nights. Candidates choose topics. During All Things Considered Candidates on alternate days.