[net.tv] Ronnie's Ratings

dopey (04/28/83)

While I wasn't watching Mr Prez on television last night, I began
wondering whether he really got the ratings or not - even when I
was younger than I am now I remember that I hated it when some
stupid political speech interrupted "The Man from Uncle" or whatnot,
and I can't picture many < 18 year-olds being excited by the state
of central america.

As I see it, there are three possibilities:

	1.  The stations are required (by the fcc, etc) to broadcast
	    these speeches
	
	2.  These speeches actually pay for themselves in ratings.

	3.  It would be more profitable for at least one station
	    to broadcast something more entertaining, but nobody
	    wants to admit it.

Any comments?

				My middle name might have been...
				James Apolitical Blasius
				...ihuxq!dopey
				(but it isn't)

kh (04/30/83)

Yes, CNN does carry the speeches of the President, including many not
seen on network TV. CNN actually showed the speech where Mr. Reagan
met Mr. Hinckley, which was a pretty minor speech, even if it did
have a dramatic "question-and-answer" session outside.