Fox won't air Obama press conference on Wednesday

Fox has decided not to broadcast President Obama's 100th-day press conference Wednesday night, opting instead to let sister cable networks Fox News Channel and Fox Business Network air the address in its entirety.

The address, scheduled for 8 p.m. (ET), could have possibly affected the "American Idol" results show, which begins at 9 p.m., and the network did not want to risk that during the critical sweeps period for ratings, according to sources. Fox has historically not registered high ratings for presidential addresses and decided, given the nature of this particular press conference, not to show it, sources said. Fox aired Obama's two previous primetime addresses.

"Fox will be alerting viewers with an on-screen graphic at the top of the 8:00 PM (ET) hour that the press conference is available on Fox News Channel and the Fox Business Network," a Fox statement said.

ABC announced today it will air the press conference, anchored by Charlie Gibson.

-- Maria Elena Fernandez

Comments

[G Taylor]

Why am I not surprised? FOX-News, the most racist and politically incorrect program being beamed world wide will do anything to stifle the President's words and agenda.

Not only do the misrepresent almost everything coming off that side of the aisle, but between Glen Beck, Sean Hannity and that Laura broad, Bill O'Rielly's really IS becoming fair and balanced! Something I never thought I would say.

One more thing. Has anyone noticed that these people are always against something, but hardly ever for anything? Or am I the only one saying that? LOL

[Kathy]

I distinctly remember the mainstream stations not airing President Bush's speeches many time. I guess what goes around comes around.

[John]

According to the AP, they're airing a drama titled "Lie to Me" instead, which I can only assume is a nostalgiac look back at the Bush administration.

[Scott]

Politically incorrect...Fox? Why would they want to show President Teleprompter talking more of his "hope and change" BS when they would have to interrupt the most popular show on TV "American Idol"

As for Fox being "politically incorrect" have you ever watched NBC or MSNBC when they referred to the April 15 protesters as "teabaggers" You;re right Fox only stands for Patriotism and America which is why their news channel beats the crap consisitently out of MSLSD and CNN

Maybe you should go back to smoking weed and and collecting umemployment Obamabot

[Suzanne]

Just what one would expect from a foreign-owned network.

[gerritv]

What's the problem? There will be plenty of other venues available to view the press conference (ABC, CBS, CNN, CSPAN, FOX News, and MSNBC). If you want to view it, tune to one of those stations. This is a tempest in a teapot.

[radioactive747]

If you don't want to view the press conference, find something else to do with your precious time besides sitting on your high horses and looking down on us pions(sic). If you sons-of-the-mother country had any better ideas on how to ease the plight of the less fortunate in these unfortunate economic times, I'm sure you would keep it to yourselves. But don't criticize those who are doing what they can to try to turn this bearcrap around. But then, we are a bunch of pissers and moaners.

[bluegreen]

hey i am a big fan of AI and while i am very proud of our prez, come on, i think i can tape his conference unless it's over before AI starts. i don't care for the Fox network but i think they are smart to let AI run. besides, obama would not want to infuriate the millions of viewers who want to see the show!

[bluegreen]

i'm no fan of fox but i think they made the right call here. of all shows to preempt, this would be the worst. obama would not want to infuriate the millions who watch AI. probably there won't even be a conflict but just in case, i'd rather tape the news conference and watch it after the show. i fully support our wonderful prez but what can i say, i'm an AI fan.

[diane]

Thank God...of course Fox is the only station that airs the truth, the whole truth. I am sick of seeing BO ramble the same speeches (read from the teleprompter) over and over. Take away the teleprompter and he would not be able to mumble one complete sentence. I watched him without a tele a couple of weeks ago and in 45 seconds he such uh 29 times...that is pathetic. If you want to see him mumble there are plenty other stations he monopolizes with his socialistic, communist agenda...I am ready for some good old hail to the republic speeches..BO has not idea what that is. Oh, and could someone please teach him how to salute..what an embarrasment for the commander in chief to not know how to salute.

[Spinelessdave]

Barrak Obamas speaches are notorious for hypnotically causing sleep
And that hour of the night is to early for sleep I'll be watching A.Idol instead.

[lrg]

I don't think there is a need for every network to carry every single presidential address. Unless it's a national emergency, I don't see a need to take over every single network during prime time. Certainly not for a press conference. The networks should set up a rotating schedule, where only one network at a time would cover an address and the rest can air their normal programming. If a person wants to see it, they can tune in, and if not they can choose another channel. There is no difference between watching it live on one channel over another.