PressEthic

Citing such colorful descriptions as "trash on a stick" or that political signs dotting highway mediums were like "pimples on a teenager" the Times attempted to guage the public disgust at politcal signs cluttering our normally sterile panorama of neon, backlit readerboards and retail signs. A good attempt at writing on a subject that has perennial attention - election season - and reflecting on public sentiment, the Times could have gone a few steps more and widened the topic to the cluttering of television and the stuffing of mailboxes with political advertising.

Perhaps, even more to the point, the story could have widened to the need for genuine campaign finance reform. The cost of advertising takes a considerable chunk from the election coffers and there is a need for not only finance reform but legislation allowing an equtable and open platform for all candidates in television and print. There exists an advocacy for this type of reform, but, the cost - in terms of lost revenue - would be borne by the conglomerates who own the newspapers, television and cable outlets. Instead of charging market rates there would be a flat rate, guaranteed to all candidates during election season, allowing for a more diverse representation in political ads. This would also bring back the need for equitable time for the various candidates and parties provided in the media.

As the Fourth Estate, or, the Fourth Leg making stable the seat of American governance, it is vitally important that the press continue to strive (does it still?) to be the venue for public debate and the voice of public sentiment. Profits, garnerd by the few media conglomerates who own the print, radio and television venues providing news and commentary, drive decisions. A call for campaign finance reform touching on the need for a more democratic voice, a more affordable and hence more accessible platform on television, in radio and in print is unlikely to arise from those interests who billfold would be threatened by such a proposal. This is frightening and frustrating.

Where then is the call to come from?