Why are there no debates on the public airwaves?

[Virgil]

When everything is such a big deal, why do the major networks that use public airwaves not have to televise a debate? I do not have cable and have not seen one debate except what I can get with dial-up Internet?

This money situation to buy 30-second ads that give us a campaign of slogans stinks. What I would like to see is a weekly telecast for like 10 or 12 weeks on a given subject each week. The one I would like to see right now is a debate on the media?

People do not know crap about what is going on. When is the next debate and do ABC, NBC, or CBS have any scheduled? Or can't they give the candidates one hour a month starting in January? The media makes me sick and our government MIHOP.

Edit to add this. Why do the candidates not get time on the Sunday talking heads shows instead of people analyzing the candidates. Why not go to the horses mouth instead of the other end?

[Straight Shooter]

1. Because image is everything

Remember, radio listeners thought Nixon won the debate; television viewers thought Kennedy won :shrug:

I listened to the last Dem debate on the radio. Very interesting perspective.

[lucidmadman]

2. Ratings...

...same reason they don't go gavel-to-gavel with the conventions.

[tinanator]

3. because the bipartisan commission wrested control from the League of Women

Voters. Hasnt been a real debate in years and years. It isnt the media at fault. Complicit, but not responsible.

[cprise]

4. Excellent questions

I think we have found a DU'er with a clue.

Guessing, I'd have to say that cable networks are more apt to broadcast the debates because a lot of embarassing truths are being aired and its easier to avoid fomenting public alarm over the country's problems when you're broadcasting to a viewer demographic that is relatively comfortable.

I don't have cable either, BTW.