Cable channels pull Arnie films

Schwarzenegger is one of 135 candidates for the governor post

The Sci-Fi Channel in the United States has cancelled an Arnold Schwarzenegger day after the star announced his intention to run for governor of California.

The cable TV network has pulled three of the star's films because of rules that all candidates must be given equal airtime.

Instead of Terminator 2, The Running Man and Conan the Destroyer, viewers will see a day of California disaster movies.

"We're pulling our Arnold marathon in deference to the electoral process," Sci-Fi spokeswoman Kat Stein said, adding: "We wanted to level the playing field in California."

The Sci-Fi Channel is the second cable network in two days to take Schwarzenegger's films off air. The FX Networks had already taken the measure.

Precaution

Cable channels are exempt from rules requiring free equal airtime must be given to all candidates.

But Sci-Fi and FX cancelled the movies as a precaution against complaints or demands for airtime from any of the 134 other candidates.

Other cable channels TNT and Turner South are still planning to broadcast The Terminator and Red Sonja later this month.

In 1973, actor George Takei, who played Mr Sulu in Star Trek, had problems when he was running for Los Angeles City Council.

TV announcement

An episode of the science fiction series was shown - featuring 17 minutes of Takei on screen - and led to other candidates successfully demanding equal airtime.

Schwarzenegger, a Republican supporter, announced his intention to run for governor on the Jay Leno TV show last week, after weeks of speculation.

Elections for a new California governor to recall incumbent Gray Davis have been set for 7 October.

Mr Davis has been criticised for the way he has handled the state's budget deficit and energy shortages.