Fox News Cockblocks C-SPAN from Tonight's Debates

If you set your TiVo to record the GOP debates tonight on C-SPAN you're SOL. Unlike the previous debates that were shown on MSNBC, and allowed by NBC to be broadcast on the cable channel, Fox isn't playing as nicely.

The CBS News blog Public Eye has the scoop:

Public Eye has learned that Fox News Channel refused C-SPAN's request to simulcast the debate on C-SPAN radio, as well as the opportunity to rebroadcast replays on any of the C-SPAN television channels. In the two MSNBC debates thus far, the cable network agreed to give the debates the added exposure through C-SPAN.

In an e-mail conversation, C-SPAN political editor Steve Scully informed Public Eye of Fox's stance.

As for the MSNBC and Fox Debates, only MS[NBC] has given C-SPAN rights (live on radio and tape delayed on C-SPAN.) Fox has said no to our request...and CNN's request is pending for its debates next month.

Upon our first trip to France, LAist was warned that the French hold on to their language and culture very tightly because they used to rule the world and now they rule very little.

It appears that the GOP, via Fox, is acting just like their friends the French, for the same reasons.

photo by jasoneppink