We won't be seeing re-runs of Arnold Schwarznegger movies on network televsion for a while. Or those with Gary Coleman. But you might see re-runs of Saturday Night Live with Father Guido Sarducci, played by Don Novella.

This is all the result of equal access time rules for television networks. They apply to the major networks, but not to cable. So, if NBC were to re-run the Terminator, Arianna and every other candidate would be entitled to equal time.

The ban will also apply to stations in neighboring states that reach a lot of California voters.

The provision makes exceptions for appearances on news programs, interview programs such as "Meet the Press," documentaries or spot coverage of news events.

The FCC has ruled in the past that shows such as "Entertainment Tonight" and "Access Hollywood," which are likely to be devoting a lot of air time to the celebrity aspect of the election, qualify as news shows.

This is serious stuff.

In 1972, NBC aired a Doris Day movie in which comedian Pat Paulsen appeared for 30 seconds. Because Paulsen had launched a satiric presidential campaign, he was ruled a legitimate candidate. Two Republican candidates requested and got 30 seconds in the same time slot as a result.