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:: 9.29.2004 ::
Networks defy (silly) debate rules The rules, signed by the managers of the two campaigns, also prohibit the cameras from panning to members of the audience during the question-and-answer periods.
Fox News Channel, whose turn it is under a rotation system to operate the "pool" cameras for all the networks in the first debate on Thursday in Coral Gables, Florida, said it would follow its own editorial judgment in operating its cameras.
"They don't want reaction shots," said Fox News spokesman Paul Schur told Reuters. "We're not going to bow to outside pressure. We're not going to follow these restrictions."
His comments were echoed by executives of cable news rival CNN and the Big Three commercial broadcasters -- ABC, CBS and NBC -- all of which plan to mix their own production from the feeds supplied by Fox News.
"I think the campaigns and candidates should do the debating and leave the television and the journalism to the networks," said one broadcast news executive.
In addition, all four broadcast journalists chosen as moderators for the debates -- Charles Gibson of ABC and Bob Schieffer of CBS, and Jim Lehrer and Gwen Ifill of the Public Broadcasting Service -- have refused to sign the 32-page agreement governing conduct of the events. This is a Reuters story, c/o YahooNews.
Notes: by pure chance, it is Fox's turn in to operate the "pool" cameras for all networks. That worked out well, eh? Thought I'm not sure if it's better to draw the first debate or the last one... guess we'll see.
Remember to watch the debate tomorrow!!! 6pm, PST. KQED will be carrying it, as will all major networks.
:: Deb 6:38 PM :: permalink ::
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