The well-publicized decision by FOX broadcast network against carrying President Barack Obama’s third prime time address ended up paying off — with “Lie To Me” winning the 8pmET hour.
But what sort of precedent does it set? The Hollywood Reporter’s John Consoli talked to some executives at other broadcast networks, who are wrestling with whether to follow in the FOX footsteps. “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 exec.
Said another: “The millions of ad dollars the president is costing us could help us keep some of those people [who have been cut] working.”
It is estimated the networks have lost more than $30 million in ad revenue this year from carrying Pres. Obama’s three prime time addresses.