Today, a right-left alliance praised ABC and NBC for joining CNN in liberating presidential debate video - allowing footage to be legally shared, blogged, excerpted, and put on sites like YouTube.
ABC announced Sunday's Republican debate footage would be "without restrictions on use" after airing live, joining CNN who earlier this year announced the same policy. NBC announced a similar policy, beginning with last night's AFL-CIO Democratic debate - allowing any use of debate video if attributed to MSNBC, provided the primary intent is not commercial and that candidates don't use NBC moderators in ads.
"ABC and NBC deserve praise for leveling the playing field--allowing everyday people to share key debate moments on blogs and YouTube just like the networks choose moments to show on the air," said Adam Green, who leads media reform and Internet freedom campaigns for MoveOn.org Civic Action. "It's good for our democracy that TV networks are removing themselves as the sole deciders of which debate moments can have a life online."
Mike Krempasky, co-founder of RedState.com, said, "These networks are not only embracing new technology, but new communities. Their willingness to loosen the reins a bit will go a long way towards improving our politics as more and more people get involved."