GOP run could impact actor's TV time (Fred Thompson)

Los Angeles Times ^ | May 4, 2007 | Matea Gold and Jim Puzzanghera

[Politicalmom]

'Law & Order's' Fred Thompson, a former senator, could fall victim to equal-time provisions.

The crowded field of Republican presidential contenders is not the only group waiting nervously to see if Fred Thompson jumps into the race.

For television networks that air programs starring the former Tennessee senator, his 2008 candidacy could cause a host of complications relating to the equal-time rule, which regulates how broadcasters treat political candidates. The fact that Thompson's gig on "Law & Order" places him on one of TV's most ubiquitous series makes the situation even thornier.

In the last two decades, the gravelly voiced attorney has developed a career as a character actor, typically cast as authority figures in such movies as "The Hunt for Red October" and "In the Line of Fire." But he's best known for his role as gruff Dist. Atty. Arthur Branch on NBC's "Law & Order," which plays in constant rotation on TNT.

If Thompson enters the campaign, his on-screen alter egos may no longer get airtime.

[Politicalmom]

PING!

Fredipedia v2.26: The Definitive Fred Thompson Reference

Please FReepmail jellybean if you want on/off this list. WARNING: This ping list can often be extremely active.

[brivette]

Fred’s the man.

[greyfoxx39]

If Thompson enters the campaign, his on-screen alter egos may no longer get airtime.

ROTFL...if anyone has seen any Law and Order shows or any of the spin-offs, they know they are filled with left wing propaganda and making any conservative or religious persons the villain. Go for it, Fred!

[Argus]

Yeah, isn’t having Sam Waterston, Ice T and Jesse Martin on the same shows equal time enough?

[SE Mom]

Since Dick Wolf who produces L & O has encouraged Fred to run, and also said it “wouldn’t be a problem”...:)

gnats..

[NeoCaveman]

gnats..

See tagline.

[IMRight]

If Thompson enters the campaign, his on-screen alter egos may no longer get airtime.

Which is obviously one reason why he's in no hurry to announce. As long as he's not officially a candidate, he can not only appear on L&O, but he can get paid to do radio programs, etc.

Many have mistakenly opined that he's getting in late for the "money race"... but he's obviously getting all the free coverage the others have to pay for. Look at all the millions McCain or Romney have raised... they've spent large portions of it... yet Thompson is very much in the running with them without raising or spending anything. And without exposing himself to some of the shots in the early debates.

[doodad]

I imagine getting elected would correct the TV time situation that is apparently so worth lamenting.

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

Why? When Arnold ran they didn’t take all his movies off the air. Same for Jessie or Clint and isn’t there some member of the cast of the “Love Boat” in Congress?

[Prophet in the wilderness]

Fredtastic

[brivette]

?

[brivette]

?

[Prophet in the wilderness]

Does the equal airtime mean both parties ? or does it mean that the NBC network will have to give equal airtime for the rest of the GOP candidate ?
And how will they do it ? cast them on the show also ? SNL ?
That means if Rudy were to go on SNL, then, SNL would have to give Thompson equal airtime also ( but, I doubt Fred would go on SNL, it's just not his style, I could be wrong ).

[CondorFlight]

This issue came up when Reagan ran for Governor of California. A local TV station, irritated by a proposed ban on broadcasting his movies in the run-up to the election, changed its schedule and deliberately ran a Ronald Reagan movie.
They were never charged or prosecuted, and the silliness of trying to apply the equal time provision to cinema was manifest.

[greyfoxx39]

Does the equal airtime mean both parties ? or does it mean that the NBC network will have to give equal airtime for the rest of the GOP candidate ?

Since this is a democrat ploy, and we all know that dems are more equal than any one else...what it really means is that they are out to get the conservative radio hosts, Rush, Sean et.al. IMO, since TV is the propaganda arm of the DNC, I doubt it will be affected.

And how will they do it ? cast them on the show also ? SNL ? That means if Rudy were to go on SNL, then, SNL would have to give Thompson equal airtime also ( but, I doubt Fred would go on SNL, it's just not his style, I could be wrong ).

They will figure out a formula wherein for every 5 minutes that Rush is on the air, Hillary will get five hours of TV time.

Fred on SNL? I think he might just surprise us.

[Politicalmom]

That would be Fred Grandy. (Gopher) He’s a great guy.

[Prophet in the wilderness]

Fredtastic is a rewording of Fantastic.

[daffyduct]

Arnold movies did affect equal time in California. Fred, being on a major network program would create a problem for NBC. If Fred waits until the season ends later this month, he can get the benefit of “Getting Paid” to get his face on the tube, then jump into the race without causing the network problems. They just have to Not run reruns during the campaign.

[RetSignman]

Law and Order disclaimer:

The words the actors speak on this program shall not be misconstrued to indicate their political beliefs or opinions. This program is fictional and should not be perceived as a political platform either for or against any political party. These are actors, I repeat, THESE ARE ACTORS. They are pretending to be someone else, they are reading off cue cards and telePrompters on a television set, which is also not real.

The producers, actors or advertisers should not and will not be held responsible for the ignorance of people who cannot tell the difference between reality and fantasy.

Thank you and enjoy this weeks fictional episode.