CBS Cuts Off Bush's Address (Rather Pre-empted again)

RatherBiased.com ^ | 2003-12-14

[RatherBiased.com]

2003-12-14 12:19:16 ET

• Football Cuts Into Rather's Coverage. Rather had another bizarre moment after a break

  in CBS's coverage of the speech of President Bush on the capture of Saddam Hussein.

  In the middle of speaking, the president's words were cut off.

  He was interrupted by a live shot of the St. Louis Rams football field, which ran for six seconds. The game had yet to start, and the stadium was only partially filled. Background noise could be heard, and through it all, the bottom of the screen said: "CBS News Special Report: Saddam Hussein Captured."

  When it became clear after six seconds that something was wrong, the feed went back to Rather. Before he spoke, two news women behind the scenes exclaimed--half-whispering, half-shouting--in cross talk where only one could be understood, "We lost it!"

  The flustered Rather told viewers, "Unfortunately, we have lost the audio and video from."

  Interrupting Rather was Bush, as someone decided to bring back the White House feed.

  "--congratulate."

  But Rather had to finish his sentence: ".from the White House. We pick it up now."

  At the end of the presidential address, the anchor was embarrassed: "We do apologize for the technical difficulty, uh, that we had."

  He ended the coverage, as he was forced to make room for football:

  "This has been CBS News continuing live coverage of the capture of Saddam Hussein. Dan Rather in New York. Right now we're turning things over to our friends at CBS Sports for NFL Today. But we'll be back with updates throughout the afternoon."

  What made the whole television event even more peculiar was that the CBS feed switched to the St. Louis Rams, an NFC team. The Rams were scheduled to play the Seattle Seahawks, another NFC opponent. But CBS Sports is not allowed to carry games featuring two NFC opponents, only AFC. The game was set for the Fox network. What CBS was doing with a Fox game is not clear.

  But one thing is clear: Rather was dogged by the sports division yet again, in one of the most news-making events of the year. On September 11, 1987--yes, September 11--he walked off the set after a tennis match ran late and cut into the start of his 6:30 program. The CBS screen went black for six minutes as minions frantically searched for the anchor, who finally made his way back to the chair.

  Rather didn't walk out today, but this time he most likely let out his anger at clumsy technicians.

2003-12-14 08:58:52 ET

• CBS Reporter Worries About Falling Gunfire. Long known as one of CBS's most negative reporters in Iraq, correspondent Kimberly Dozier continued her behavior, worrying that Iraqis may be killed by ammunition fired by ecstatic Iraqis:

  "I imagine tonight across Baghdad that we might see a lot more of this celebratory gunfire when the sons of Saddam were killed, Ouday and Qusay, several people were injured and killed by falling gunfire when celebrations broke out throughout the city. So we'll wait, watch and listen."

[Lazamataz]

"We lost it!"

The only true words to come out of CBS news studios in a while.

[ShadowDancer]

Wish it would have happened on Fox here in reverse. Then I wouldn't have had to watch the Lions.

[revtown]

Another incedent with CBS I found humerous this AM.
It was early and Blather was just coming on.
He was asking Dicky G a question, but Dick was responding to Tim Russert. CBS cut him off just after Dick said "now Tim"..

[Diogenesis]

Fidel: "Well done, Dan. Keep it up."

[RatherBiased.com]

That was Joe Biden. From our live commentary:

2003-12-14 09:34:30 ET
Another live television booboo.
CBS accidentally tried to interview Senate Democrat Joe Biden while he was being interviewed by NBC's Tim Russert. Dan asked him a question, but Biden didn't respond, Rather asked again, "Can you hear me, Senator?" Was waived off irritatedly. Asked again. Biden responded "Well Tim..." CBS cut transmission.

[Paleo Conservative]

Someone should cut off Rather's ___________.

[ChadGore]

[Paleo Conservative]

Wish it would have happened on Fox here in reverse. Then I wouldn't have had to watch the Lions.

[cmsgop]

WOW! Whata Guy.......

[ladyinred]

LOL! Can you imagine the temper tantrum that jerk had off the air! I love it!

[ChadGore]

Dan sure has a thing for oppressive socialist dictators.

[RatherBiased.com]

[zip]

post

[Joy Angela]

Rather freaked out and
pulled the plug.

He couldn't risk sending
out Positive Press for Bush.

His Queen might get angry....

Heil Hillary.

[YaYa123]

Drudge was late, but when he got up and running on Saddam's capture, he had a first rate headline, "Ace In A Hole", and links to the best articles.

FOXNews got the "breaking news" info long after MSNBC, and shortly after CNN, but they've spent the rest of the day with first rate shows, interviews, background, and analyses.

NBC had on a slew of democrats, and former Clinton officials.

Where were the Republicans today? Frist was on CNN earlier, but when FOXNews shows statements from important people, they show what Daschle said, nothing from Frist.

CBS was embarrassing, irrelevant, out of touch, and Dan Rather was pathetic!! I don't think he even reads the wire services to keep up with the news. He's a tired old hasbeen, but evidently just can't give it up. CBS should fire the old coot....but they won't, so let em go down in flames.

[autoresponder]

"Have we got a rich little metrosexual doctor for you!"

"About 8:30 Bagdad time December 13th....." -- GW

SING IT ELVIS!



MERRY CHRISTMAS!

powered by my dinky MSNTV from Bill Gates

click Laurie Dhue to reload her hot kiss

(mistletoe not required)

[Texas Eagle]

I wish President Bush would've waited until the football games started. Wouldn't it have been cool to see the action stopped after a few minutes play and then hear the stadium announcer say, "Ladies and Gentlemen, please direct your attention to the Jumbotron at the north end of the stadium for a message from President Bush."

[FreedomCalls]

Fifth column sabateurs.

[Steven W.]

Dan would have been pleased to personally pick the lice from Saddam's scummy head.