Why are the three traditional television networks so outraged that Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. has announced it will give an hour of free time on its Fox network to the major-party presidential candidates this fall?

The reasons they give are that Fox is not a real network because it does not produce a nightly national newscast and has very little in the way of public-affairs programs. They accuse Murdoch of "grandstanding" and pandering to politicians.If Fox is not a "real" network, why do the others care what Murdoch airs on it? If news professionals and the public don't take Fox seriously, as officials of the "big three" say, why are they taking Murdoch's idea so very seriously?

Could it be they are just a bit afraid that viewers will find an unfiltered presentation of the candidates' final campaign pitch more appealing than their overhyped, overanalyzed or overedited broadcasts?

Some independent analysts have said the filtering of political coverage through journalists has contributed to a national cynicism about politics. It has certainly contributed to viewer burnout and frustration as the campaign nears its end.

The eight-second sound bites presented by the big networks do little to enlighten voters about the candidates. The public gets tired of condescending and seemingly never-ending reporter follow-ups after every speech and debate.

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Voters are also fed up with the exorbitant sums of money spent on campaigns and the influence it buys. Free air time, such as that required under the British election system, would help level the field for all candidates in the crucial pre-election weeks.

The United States is the only democracy - with the questionable exception of Russia - that sells television time, and our election process is suffering because of it.

Instead of grousing and criticizing Murdoch for his novel idea, CBS, NBC and ABC should take him up on his request that all four provide additional free time to the candidates simultaneously so that all would share equally in the loss of entertainment-time revenue.

The major networks are not apt to go along with that offer, but that shouldn't deter Fox from proceeding. Then let's see how viewers and candidates react to the new approach.

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