TV to snub conventions

[AlGore-08.com]

http://www.thehill.com/news/063004/tv.aspx

TV to snub conventions
Party angst as networks plan to scale back coverage in Boston and New York

The major TV networks are planning to cut coverage at the political conventions, ignoring major speeches early in the week.

The Republican and Democratic parties hope to nudge the networks into more live coverage, but broadcasters have concluded that there will be little news to report.

“We know we’re going to cover the nomination and the speech,” said one network’s spokeswoman, but “we’re not sure about the first two days.”

(snip)

Sources say each networks will likely reduce coverage from four years ago, even though coverage in 2000 already was scaled back from historic levels. Networks could provide as little as an hour of live coverage on the penultimate nights (Wednesdays), with perhaps two hours for the Thursday finale.

(More... )

[Habibi]

1. That sucks!

We need to see what goes on at both conventions.

[MrSlayer]

2. Won't C-Span have them in their entirety?

I can't imagine they would ignore them like that.

[AlGore-08.com]

5. C-SPAN is PROBABLY going to cover gavel to gavel

But that's not really the point.

You have to have cable to see C-SPAN, so this automatically means that the poorest folks will not see much of the convention. That will hurt Kerry much worse than Smirk.

Equally bad is the fact that once the other keynote speeches stop being covered because they are not "news", the news coverage will dry up as well. If anybody other than Kerry (and maybe his running mate) makes a speech, it will not be covered. Analysized, yes - - the same idiot talking heads who either slept through 2000 or savaged Gore for their own amusement will only discuss their junior high level interests: who hates who, who dresses funny, who sweats too much, who's a totally clueless geek that just doesn't get that NOBODY cares, ya know?

It's another victory for money in politics - - because even if Kerry 2004 doesn't need the extra hours of free air time, some day some other candidate will. Instead, they'll have to pay for more ads to make up the difference. Another win/win for the corporate media.

[Ivan Zero]

17. CSPAN has a live web stream

for each of its channels on their web site (cspan.org).

I don't have cable, so that's how I'll be watching the conventions. Of course, you have to have a high speed connection, so that still leaves out everyone with dial-up or no access at all.

I knew this was coming. Every year the network coverage gets sparser and sparser, and they now have the excuse of cable news channels, which will probably carry most or all of the convention as well. I'm sure FAUX News will be going gavel to gavel on the RNC.

So much for the public airwaves, the public interest or even the public.

[MrSlayer]

19. Great points.

Dead on.

[buff2]

3. What do you want to bet they cover all the repukes

and very little of the dems? It wouldn't surprise me one bit.

[sniffa]

7. bingo

[PaDUer]

12. Will they cover the

protestors, and don't be surprised if they don't have them shoved all the way back into Queens. Wonder if they'll play show'n'tell the protestors that they want arrested to send a message!!

[Warpy]

14. They'll certainly devote coverage to the riots

outside the conventions, and blame them on the demonstrators instead of the GOP operatives who will be there in force, instigating trouble.

[CharlesGroce]

4. Will Kerry stand up and demand coverage?

No I'm sure he won't.

And we've known for a long time that the mainstream media doesn't cover protests (i.e. Miami). And these protests will be some to remember.

[AlGore-08.com]

6. No, the protests at Boston will get covered.

The protests at NYC will not get covered - - or if they do, their size will be under reported and the coverage will focus on any idiot that breaks the law.

Book it.

[bagnana]

10. THIS IS DISGUSTING

We have a right to watch the political process in motion. This pisses me off no end.

[Auntie Bush]

8. Of course they will cut back! They have to make room for Scott ,

Michael and Saddam. Plus many repeats of Bush out on the campaign trail and lots of time for right wing propaganda and spin.

The corp/media knows Bush doesn't need extra TV time...but the public does need to get to know Kerry...heaven forbid they help them do that.

[tridim]

9. It's just the most important election in American history

Of course they're not going to cover it! What are ya, ignant?

Clinton should come on stage naked.. That'd get coverage. :D

[Hoping4Change]

11. The CBC and BBC might cover them.nt

[ursacorwin]

13. so then there's no doubt, right?

tv is a tool for mind control. when tv serves, it puts out the message that makes shurbco look good. when it can't serve, it goes into 'olsen twins mode' and tells us nothing but that which will distract us from the real issues.

so why do we watch?

the only power they (our tv overlords) have is what we give them. turn it off, they all die. it's that simple. and when they can't afford to make the pro-government propaganda anymore, and when people understand that they have to go out and look for real, facutal information (which is there, e.g. DU), we begin the process which will lead us to real democratic reform.

of all the powers we face, the tv people are the easiest to destroy. as lisa simpson oncer said (with paul anka) "just don't look!"





ed 4 sp

[TacticalPeek]

15. David Gergen said tonight that based on this election's dynamics,

Kerry's convention speech is more important than his VP choice.

Gergen's smart about presidential dynamics, and he had me listening.

[Poiuyt]

16. He may be right.

I saw that segment also. Based on the fact that 36% of Americans still have no opinion about Kerry, he needs to do something to generate enthusiasm for his campaign. I'm guessing that when he names his VP, that will bring his name to the forefront.

Most Americans don't like Bush. All Kerry has to do is show that he's at least somewhat competent to do the job.

[Gloria]

18. Maybe the VP and Pres. nominees should do joint speeches on both

the third and 4th nites........one nite, domestic issues, the other on FP....That would be unique....and you'd see a team and the pressure might be off Kerry...

This lack of convention coverage means that an unfiltered message can't get across the airwaves....

And this sets everything up for the debates, which they will spin to Bush's favor....you can bet on it....