Scripps Stations Expand Free Airtime Offer

Topic: Politics and Election Coverage

The E.W. Scripps Co.�s "Democracy 2012," strives to be "a one-stop shop of voter education." Stations in all 13 of the company�s TV markets will provide candidates at least five free minutes of airtime nightly between 5-11:35 p.m. in the 30 days preceding the general elections. They provide free airtime in the 30 days preceding primary elections.
Democracy 2012 includes:

• An online portal with information on candidates� positions, voter registration and maps of political jurisdictional boundaries;
• �Ask the Candidates� lets users submit questions and compare candidates� answers;
• �Get out the vote� public service announcements;
• Town hall meetings and debates during the 30 days leading up to the general election; and
• Web-based, searchable databases that allow voters to research campaign contributions.

"Political education and discourse are a centerpiece of our local news presentation. In one of the most crucial election cycles in our lifetimes, we�re going to marinate our audience in political coverage so they�ll make fully informed choices when it comes time to vote," said Brian Lawlor, senior vice president of the Scripps television division.

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