Television Access and Political Power: The Networks, the Presidency, and the "Loyal Opposition" Praeger Series in Political Communication

This volume chronicles the 60-year history of presidential and opposition access to network television. The system has brought unprecedented exposure to 20th-century presidents but has discriminated consistently against the opposition in Congress. Networks instead have placed themselves in the role of "loyal opposition" operating as the President's counterpoint.

In decline, hurt by defecting audiences and advertisers, the network system is now struggling to survive into the next century. Foote envisions a new order which will have a profound effect on both political communication and the balance of political power.