[heleny]

HBO isn't an over-the-air broadcaster using public bandwidth - it's a subscription service transmitted via satellite/cable. I would venture to guess that they probably aren't bound by those laws.

I think they would still qualify as a licensed TV station, though I'm not clear on those many telecommunications acts.
But, perhaps HBO can get an exemption if they pretend to be showing a documentary on running for president, not focused on their candidate.

More likely, the real candidates will reject many of the equal opportunity offers because they will not want to spend the time.

[codebreaker]

Yup, they will cloak it as a documentary.