LAWMAKERS
LAWMAKERS
20.03.41-DUKE-MEESE was composed and calm, but Democrats will have tougher questions later. WERTHEIMER-intro report on EXIT POLLING, TELEVISION COVERAGE, and the integrity of the election process. 20.04.18-Shots of voters casting ballots in IOWA CAUCUS. Clip of NBC NEWS broadcast announcing projected victory of WALTER MONDALE, similar clip from ABC, v.o.-both networks announced results before the end of the voting, Congress took offense. Shots of Congressional Committee hearing, the IOWA Democratic Chairman testifying that essentially, the broadcasts "put a TV in the voting booth". C/S Rep. TIM WIRTH (D-CO), telling NETWORK TV EXECUTIVES that they failed their public trust and responsibility by broadcasting early EXIT POLL results. Group of uncomfortable looking Network Suits at witness table including TED TURNER. C/S Rep. AL SWIFT (D-WA) says that the public doesn't want to hear predictions before the votes are in. C/S CBS SUIT, says the public has a stake in up-to-the minute poll results. C/S an NBC SUIT defends polling prospects. C/S TED TURNER of CNN disagrees, takes issue with the NBC suit's statement that "polls are facts", says that networks should wait until the results are final. 20.06.35-Shot of voter taking part in EXIT POLLING after NEW HAMPSHIRE PRIMARY, but Networks were restrained in reporting poll results. C/S Rep. WIRTH in office, says he thinks that the networks weren't aware at public outrage over prior polling practices and stopped broadcasting preliminary poll results. Brief shots of Presidential candidates GARY HART, ALAN CRANSTON, GEORGE McGOVERN, others, on campaign trail. Shot of JOHN GLENN'S campaign chairman, says that he doesn't think broadcast poll results have affected Presidential politics so far. C/S a HART CAMPAIGN SPOKESMAN, says that the Government should not be in the business of dictating to the Press. C/S Rep. WIRTH, says that he hopes the networks will voluntarily observe safeguards of Democracy, Congress should not legislate nor should the FCC regulate the media or press. 20.08.09-DUKE/ROBERTS/WERTHEIMER-discussion of EXIT POLLING and broadcast practices. NETWORKS taking beating for arrogance in broadcasting poll results. Doesn't look like a fight that is going to go away as the campaign progresses.