And, by controlling the airwaves, they make certain that the American people never hear this story. That system enriches the broadcasters and impoverishes the public. Broadcasters, in particular their lobbying arm, the National Association of Broadcasters, have worked to ensure that the system stays in place. They have been a key opponent of campaign finance reform for years. The campaign finance system is now rigged to favor incumbents and nowhere is that advantage so great as in the ability to buy TV time.
Incumbents raise more money and, because of that, can dominate the airwaves.
Challengers are often left without the opportunity to get their message across to the public. This system must change. Today, and over the next few weeks, we will work hard with the Alliance to break the broadcasters' stranglehold on the public airwaves.