You may know that Monday night President Obama addressed the nation about the nation’s involvement in Libya. Like all evening Presidential addresses, it was televised live. But while his speeches usually air at 8 or 9 pm… Not this time. Why? ABC’s hit show “Dancing With The Stars.” the second most watched show on television right now – airs at 8. It may come as a surprise to many people, but the White House doesn’t actually call the shots when it comes to when the President speaks on LIVE network television… it’s a negotiation between all the networks.
According to the New York Times:
After some friendly negotiations, all parties agreed to a mutually acceptable time: 7:30 Eastern, which meant the speech on the military situation in Libya could be delivered — and analyzed – in time for the fans of “Dancing,” as well as other scheduled network shows, to see the shows they expected to see at their regularly scheduled times.
A White House spokesman, Joshua Earnest, sent a statement (to the NY Times) by email:
“The White House routinely works with the networks, as a group, in circumstances like these to find a time that’s respectful of both the networks and their audience – while ensuring that the President has the platform he needs to deliver an important message to the American people.”