A recent trip to the Big Apple actually provided some needed quiet moments -- from political ads. Unlike Ohio, mother of all things Presidential every four years, the leaning of the Empire State is a given and neither the Obama nor McCain campaigns were wasting much money convincing blue-state Noo Yawka's how to vote. TV was actually fun to watch again.
Fast forward a week, and this morning's observation by Sue Wilson, WQMX's Program Director, on the complaints we've been getting to "Your Station, Your Country" from listeners who usually don't get the political spot carpet bombing.
WQMX is one of those stations that usually airs only the political ads we're required to by federal law, such as for President. Listeners to the FM dial have been getting an earful from Obama and less-than-an-earful from McCain, and their music-fed ears are getting weary from the political talk. Unfortunately, it won't end until November 4th because as noted above -- federal candidate ads can't be turned aside. It is one of the costs of doing business when you hold an FCC-granted license to broadcast.
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On the subject of real costs of the media: the Chicago Sun-Times' Lynn Sweet has done some great reporting on this year's election...and her piece today on charges to cover the Chicago election night party for the Obama campaign is a classic.
A thousand dollars to play for TV and radio types -- newspaper folks will have to pay for phone and web access, too, including reservations of the prime spots photographers need to get those shots of the candidate on election night at the podium. Best location to watch, plus a heated tent, phone, cable TV and web service and some grub hits $935...less attractive location with a view from the riser about $880.
Reporters too poor to pay can still attend free, but will have to provide their own phone and web access and we assume a couple bags of Cheetos and a six-pack.
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