Free Political Ads On U.S. TV? They Do It In Mexico

This country has got it all wrong when it comes to TV political advertising. In Mexico, TV broadcasters have to run political ads free of charge -- all to level the playing field. In this country, political messaging only has to be priced at the lowest commercial unit rate. At least U.S. TV stations get some form of payment. And, in big political years -- like in 2008 -- they can get plenty more. Last year's total TV political revenue was upwards of $3 billion, all of which was key to somewhat offset the crumbling of the TV advertising market, pulled down by the severely depressed automotive industry.