Left, Right Link Up for Openness in Debates - Page 2

Page 2 of 2

Set the video free

The second issue is around the footage from the debate. The debates air live, and once they are over, the only way to see the footage again is if a news outlet plays it. Some clips will undoubtedly end up on YouTube but in the past, the networks have always held on to the footage.

So the second wish of the advocacy group is to have access to all of the debate footage. "Now we're in the Internet era, where the networks can put certain clips up. But the questions is, 'Can I take a 30 second clip and share that on a blog without being sued for copyright infringement?,' or take 5 clips and make a mash up video," said Green.

"Nobody should be deemed a lawbreaker for wanting to discuss the debate online or using the clips," he added.

An effort to get the debate video released started last year, and CNN, NBC and ABC did release their footage. Fox News did not. But the difference here is the Presidential debates are done by pooling of resources so the debates appear on multiple networks. "They could make a decision in an hour if they want to," said Green.

Lessig has contacted campaigns, and both parties said they expect to hear back from the two campaigns, if not tonight then shortly. "Given folks are in agreement [about releasing the video], we hope this is viewed as common sense and the campaigns respond affirmatively," said Kralik.