Election Air Time

* “TV Stations Tune Out Free Air Time for Political Candidates” (May 14) again raises an old and still-unresolved question: Why does the FCC allow TV stations to blatantly ignore the 1934 legislation demanding that broadcasters offer programs “in the public interest, convenience and necessity” in exchange for the use of the public airwaves they so joyfully exploit?

Perhaps the disheartening answer can be found in the statement of the president of the broadcasting unit of the Tribune Co.: “I think it’s up to our stations to decide how best to serve their communities.” If the past is prologue, California TV viewers can expect to be “served” during this election year with more slick sound bites for which TV stations are paid a bundle and with even less coverage of “candidate-centered discourse” such as political debates and interviews. I wonder if the Tribute Co. purchase of The Times will bring an end to The Times’ long-standing support for more “public service” air time.

JUNE A. MAGUIRE

Mission Viejo