On the argument of $L$-functions

Abstract

For $L(\cdot,\pi)$ in a large class of $L$-functions, assuming the generalized Riemann hypothesis, we show an explicit bound for the function $S_1(t,\pi)=\frac{1}{\pi}\int_{1/2}^\infty\log|L(\sigma+it,\pi)|\,d\sigma$, expressed in terms of its analytic conductor. This enables us to give an alternative proof of the most recent (conditional) bound for $S(t,\pi)=\frac{1}{\pi} \,arg\,L(\tfrac12+it,\pi)$, which is the derivative of $S_1(\cdot,\pi)$ at $t$.