As a TV producer, you are hugely over-emphasising TV's importance in all this. The networks have no more idea when this is going to commence than my dog does. They are NOT on Bush's, Cheney's, Rumsfeld's, or Rice's "notification" list.
The networks are just making a guess and trying not to get caught off-guard whenever the big blast might occur. They have no idea whatsoever what is going on, or the timing of it.
One of the greatest mistakes anyone on this planet can make is assuming that great knowledge, foresight or even understanding comes from the TV networks.
Well, aren't we just a ray of f_____ing sunshine?
Not the brightest crayon in the box, are we?
An erection does not count as personal growth, Senator.
Did the aliens forget to remove your anal probe?
And your cry-baby, whiney assed opinion would be?
We try to be cynical, but it's hard to keep up.
Do they ever shut up on your planet?
You look and sound like shit. Is that the style now?
How many times do we have to flush before you go away?
While there's not an exact warning (as there was during the Clinton years), there's enough of a heads-up given to let folks know what's coming. And if someone is in a position to read the tea leaves, they'll at least get an idea. And yes, that means that someone in Saddam's camp could get an idea as well. So you have to play your hand carefully.
No matter what you may think, the press' role in this thing is crucial. Not only that, this president is one of the best chess (or is it Risk?) players in a looooong time.