Live in Primetime: Not Obama---Dancing with the Stars

Via NYT: Before Libya, White House Must Negotiate With ABC

I couldn't help but notice this article from the NYT website about Obama's people having to work his speech, a matter of national and international security, around the American people's primetime schedules.


To me it reached back to the article we read about the proliferation of cable channels and it's impact on individual knowledge of current events and political developments. It seems that even the President has come to a similar conclusion: If he wants to get his message out, especially on the national channels who have transitioned into entertainment broadcasters, he'll need to do so in time for the 8pm time slot.

This particular quote caught my attention:

"A White House spokesman, Joshua Earnest, sent a statement by e-mail:

'The White House routinely works with the networks, as a group, in circumstances like these to find a time that’s respectful of both the networks and their audience – while ensuring that the president has the platform he needs to deliver an important message to the American people.'"

I acknowledge that money from advertisers and the fact some shows were presented LIVE had an impact on the decision to collaborate between networks on times. Yet another question arises: Will the future of being an effective President and effective media core hinge on the ability to get the message out in time for Dancing with the Stars?


It's a good question, but perhaps not one that the answer will be immediately apparent in. Perhaps this was a special occasion? What it does reveal is that, in order to be effective, the President ought to be aware of media trends in order to use those trends and the media effectively. This collaboration for Obama's speech on Libya is one such example.


But if there's anything disappointing about this situation it's that matters of national security, which are critical to our survival, are at the mercy of television programming schedules. It just feels silly, and quite frankly somewhat dangerous.