She called upon the two networks to reconsider their decision and join their colleagues at ABC and CBS in carrying the debates. As a government official, I respect and defend the First Amendment right of broadcasters to determine what programming they will air, without government intrusion. As an American citizen, however, I feel I must speak out.
Broadcast television enjoys a unique position in our society.
As many as one-third of our citizens do not subscribe to cable or satellite services. As a member of our national community, I urge all broadcast licensees to consider their civic duty to inform the public. If a licensee absolutely cannot preempt existing programming to carry the debates live, I hope that it will air the debates on a delayed basis later that evening.