Nets Take a Stand on Prime-time Obama Pre-emptions

[brooklynite]

Source: Mediaweek

By and large, they personally forked out for his campaign, they voted for him, and they know he is capable of boosting TV ratings just by making an appearance.

But executives at the Big Four broadcast networks are seething behind the scenes that President Obama has cost them about $30 million in cumulative ad revenue this year with his three primetime news conference pre-emptions.

Now top network execs quietly are hoping that Fox's well-publicized rejection of the president's April 29 presser will serve as precedent for denying future White House requests for prime airtime.

"We will continue to make our decisions on White House requests on a case-by-case basis, but the Fox decision gives us cover to reject a request if we feel that there is no urgent breaking news that is going to be discussed," said one network exec, who, like all, would not speak for attribution fearing repercussions from the administration.



Read more: http://www.mediaweek.com/mw/content_display/news/national-broadcast/e3i4e17d68abb97873385d04ce2cea53ed9

[BadgerKid]

1. Silly networks

You do realize President Obama can take his message directly to the people, don't you? Are you sure you want to miss out? (EDIT: and run the risk of the public realizing your pro-GOP biases?)

Yikes...all the more reason to support an open Internet!

[WhiteTara]

2. hmmm. Since those airwaves belong to US

they are required to give up time for public service.

[tomhayes]

3. Maybe they should have their over-the-air licenses revoked?

They can be cable only, while the public airwaves can carry the public's business.

[liberal N proud]

4. Maybe they could convince Obama to put a green screen on the podium

Then they could flash ads on during his speech. Like they do at sporting events.

:sarcasm:

[ixion]

5. Can you imagine the WH response to this during the Chimp admin?

I mean, there would have been all sorts of 'pundits' crying about the "liberal media"

Liberal media my arse.

[hugo_from_TN]

6. They should have one network cover the prime time events.

They can rotate which one covers it.

No reason for all four to preempt shows. Not everybody is interested.

[aquart]

7. Yeah. I always thought that en masse coverage was insane.

Very Big Brotherish.

[tomhayes]

8. I don't think you understand what Big brother was

honest