Comments on: Free Debates: CNN HAS ANNOUNCED IT WILL FREE THE DEBATES

By: Custom

Custom — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 04:50:58 +0000

Here is the update. Gaines of MSNBC says in an e-mail to us that:

"News and information websites can use the video with the same restrictions as broadcast outlets. So, yes, they can download and have on their site and edit. Just like other television networks."

Still to be determined, we presume: exactly what is a "news and information website.

By: Garment

Garment — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 12:58:05 +0000

Actually, if Fox and CNN both allow redistribution rights, bloggers could remix the entire debate, showing each network's edits and cutaways to demonstrate the type of bias you describe. That's never been possible before.

By: owen rebbe

owen rebbe — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 07:25:22 +0000

HELP I need someone with a web cam to ask a question for me or yourself if you like the question

Question for alll candidates

In the interest of election reform would you consider repaeling the seventeenth amendment thereby putting the responsibility back to the individual states to APPOINT their state senators. possibly blunting the effect of the flood of lobbyist money.

By: powerleveling

powerleveling — Sun, 10 Jun 2007 19:12:10 +0000

It sounds like a good idea that the debates have been made public
But will it last long?

By: ACS

ACS — Thu, 10 May 2007 00:12:07 +0000

Honestly, do you think that Creationism would have any support in the US if there were no charismatic speakers arguing on its behalf? Do you think anyone would deny the fact of global warming and our responsibility for it?

Lol - true - but then again Global Warming is a load of BS. Ironically, it is the environmentalists who have the charisma in that debate (Al Gore [Charisma??], Nicolas Stern, etc).

On to actual matters, congrats - for achieving what few others could - use of impressive legal rhetoric to get major companies to relinquish their legal rights. Well done.

By: Ryan Morrison

Ryan Morrison — Wed, 09 May 2007 07:48:36 +0000

I don't know the ins and outs of US politics or media to a great extent but wouldn't it be logical for someone like You Tube or even the Creative Commons foundation to host a live debate?

By: kendall joy

kendall joy — Wed, 09 May 2007 02:05:27 +0000

This is a dream come true, at least, a little one. I remember hitting the books during the first two debates this season and missing my high school days of watching tv when I wanted to. And I remember being confused and giving up when I couldn't find the debates broadcast online.
Thanks.

By: Mark Memmott

Mark Memmott — Mon, 07 May 2007 16:47:43 +0000

Fox News says it will not allow free use of debate video: http://blogs.usatoday.com/onpolitics/2007/05/cnns_decision_t.html

By: jdc

jdc — Mon, 07 May 2007 12:29:16 +0000

Hmm… actually both our points may be moot… since CNN is “hosting” the debates, would other networks’ cameras be allowed in the room, rebroadcast rights or not?

By: jdc

jdc — Mon, 07 May 2007 12:26:33 +0000

mice: If FOX trusts CNN to impartially edit the debate feed, then they could decide to re-use it, and save a few thousand bucks on a camera crew. But I don't see that happening. If Hillary looks at her watch, FOX wants a camera aimed at her, and they won't trust CNN to do it.

"There are editors working behind the scenes selecting what is broadcast" You're right -- camera selection, cutaways, etc. do matter (for those "watch checking" moments). But they can only go so far -- there are always bloggers, newspaper reporters, and supporters of each candidate in the live audience. If actual questions are omitted, or responses changed, it will be caught quickly.

Sure, in an ideal world we'd have access to the live feeds from each camera... but this is a huge improvement. Cheers to Lessig for pursuing this one.