It felt like 1995 all over again: O.J. Simpson in court, on every TV channel.
The former football star and actor, who has been in a Nevada prison for the last 9 years for a 2008 burglary and assault conviction, appeared before a parole board this morning. ABC, NBC and CBS all produced network-wide special reports beginning around 1 p.m. ET.
Los Angeles TV stations covered the hearing, but in different ways. KABC and KNBC carried the special reports from their respective networks, while KCBS produced its own special report. KTLA and KTTV also produced their own special reports. CBS-owned KCAL simulcast KCBS.
LA TV stations were consumed by O.J. Simpson for the better part of two years. From the May 1994 murder of his wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ronald Goldman, to the Bronco chase, to Simpson’s arrest for the murders, his trial, and eventual acquittal in Oct. 1995, Simpson’s case played out non-stop on LA area TV.
Simpson’s acquittal at the murder trial is not being considered by the parole board.
“I’m at a point in my life where all I want to do is spend time, as much time as I can with my children and my friends,” said Simpson, adding, “I’m not looking to be involved with the media. I’ve had so many offers for interviews when I’ve been here and in Lovelock and turned them all down. I’m not interested in any of that.”
If he’s granted parole, Simpson could go free on Oct. 1.
