We don't think so. But a new editorial makes a compelling argument...
This from Richard Huff of the New York Daily News:
Fox is going to get skinned in some parts, no doubt, for not carrying President Obama's 100-day press conference Wednesday night.
That's just wrong.
The
network should be praised for not giving up a third night of lucrative
prime-time television for yet another presidential press conference.
Enough already.
Yes,
he's the President and he's talking about issues that directly affect
all of our lives. And yes, we want to know about those issues and are
happy he keeps us updated.
But in the absence of some striking
new development, or something he hasn't addressed before, every network
doesn't have to drop everything because he's clearing his throat.
Oof. Rough. But fair? We think Fox is making the wrong call here - the Obama Presidency is historic, and the 100-day mark is historically an important date in incipient Presidencies. It is a day of note, and these press conferences serve the administration's laudable goal of more transparency and dialogue. Also, we suspect Fox's decision has a lot to do with Rupert Murdoch's politics. But...
It's not like Obama's 100th day wasn't going to be covered like hell all over the news networks anyway. CNN is planning a giant election-type special. So even sans press conference, Barack Obama's Presidential accomplishments are today's topic. Recounting these accomplishments himself is a move that could make President Obama seem way too much like Rickey Henderson. But there is a press conference, and over 80% of the country has cable. In addition, 3 of the 4 networks are carrying the press conference. So anyone who wants Obama can get Obama. That's not really the point - the point, still, is priorities. But it is the truth. Back to Richard Huff:
So Wednesday night, Fox will stick with "Lie to Me" and "American Idol," while others go with Obama.
The
risk in having a TV-friendly President is that by being on so often,
viewers will ultimately become desensitized to seeing him, and perhaps
miss the importance of what he might say.
The last thing anyone
needs is someone to say, "Oh, honey, it's Wednesday at 8, the
President's new series is on again - everywhere. Tonight, let's see
what's on ESPN."
On the bright side, we're beginning to see how comedians will be able to make fun of Barack Obama.
What do you think? Did Fox make the right call?
PREVIOUSLY:
"American Idol" Beats Barack Obama
Okay, Now President Obama Is Just Messing With Television Executives
Obama On TV: Bad Strategy? [VIDEO]
