Angelides Campaign Continues Push for "Equal Time"

SACRAMENTO, CA - The Angelides for Governor campaign today filed documents with the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) requesting equal time from NBC-owned stations and affiliates and California. The move is response to protests from the stations that they are not bound by the equal time requirement after Gov. Schwarzenegger was given more than 15 minutes of time on the entertainment program, "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno."

"The thrust of our argument is that the 'Tonight Show with Jay Leno' is an entertainment program, not a news program," said Angelides campaign manager Cathy Calfo. "Even Jay Leno can't say with a straight face that 'The Tonight Show' qualifies as news."

In its reply, the Angelides campaign cited historical precedent and FCC rulings on similar it matters. The campaign noted the personal relationship between Schwarzenegger and Leno and past appearances by other political figures on the show.  It also referenced a similar case in California, where the Fresno-based Pappas Broadcasting group was required to provide equal time to Assemblywoman Nicole Parra (D-Hanford).

The FCC has promised quick action on the Angelides request.

See attachments for details.

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Letter to the FCC: http://www.angelides.com/pdfs/downloads/Robert-Baker.pdf

Transcript of Schwarzenegger’s appearance on the Tonight Show: http://www.angelides.com/pdfs/downloads/ASonJayLeno.pdf

New York Times article from 2003, "NBC Supports the Politically Partisan Leno": http://www.angelides.com/pdfs/downloads/NYT10-1-10-2003.pdf

IMDB listing of "Tonight Show" appearances http://www.angelides.com/pdfs/downloads/IMDB.pdf