ABC’s Exclusive George Zimmerman Video Turns Up Across the Nets, But Not ABC’s Late Night News Show

By Chris Ariens 

ABC’s Matt Gutman got quite an exclusive late yesterday when he got his hands on Sanford police video of the night George Zimmerman was detained after he shot 17-year-old Trayvon Martin. The video shows Zimmerman entering the police station, put in handcuffs, then brought into a detention room. At issue: whether Zimmerman was roughed up, including having a broken nose, as early accounts claim. The video doesn’t seem to show that.

“World News” included the video, and clips aired on CNN’s “AC360” and FNC’s “Hannity,” while MSNBC’s Ed Schultz kept up a breaking news banner for much of his show. It was also shown on “CBS This Morning” and the “Today” show as well as ABC’s “Good Morning America” today.

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But the video did not merit a story — not even a mention — on ABC’s “Nightline,” the only network late night news show. Why not?

A network spokesperson tells TVNewser producers discussed airing a story, but “wanted to devote the time needed for a thoughtful piece that viewers expect from ‘Nightline.'”

Viewers will see that story tonight, reported by Gutman.

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