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January 24, 2020 12:28 pm  #1


Why The Trump Impeachment Trial Isn't On Buffalo OTA Stations

I initially wondered how much of the Trump impeachment trial would interrupt regular programming on the network affiliated stations in Buffalo, especially if something was happening during primetime. Turns out, it really hasn't been a factor.

And I wasn't the only one wondering. The Buffalo News has an article about why this historic event hasn't been given more prominence and when they plan to interrupt shows like The Price is Right in daytime or This Is Us in primetime. And it gives a fascinating look into the considerations that go into making these decisions. 

The main takeaways from the story:

-Cable's got it covered, so the traditional OTA outlets don't have to go wall-to-wall, as they did in the days of the Watergate hearings.

-They get complaints from viewers when their favourite shows are preempted.

-Advertising revenue is already precarious enough, and they can't afford to not show the paid-for spots. And

-When WGRZ is forced to cut into their shows, they shunt them over onto their subcarrier Antenna TV on Channel 2.2, so they're still available.

Local Buffalo TV executives explain their impeachment trial coverage decisions

 

January 24, 2020 3:01 pm  #2


Re: Why The Trump Impeachment Trial Isn't On Buffalo OTA Stations

Nielsen returns for day-one of the trial (12p to 7p ET): 10.7 million combined across all networks AND cable.  That's just 3.3 percent of the country.  CBS had the best over-the-air showing with just 1.9 combined nationwide.  The Price is Right averages 5.3 million viewers (4.2 in the 18-49 demo).  The choice is pretty clear to me.

 

January 24, 2020 3:51 pm  #3


Re: Why The Trump Impeachment Trial Isn't On Buffalo OTA Stations

It's on all the Buffalo stations right now?

 

January 24, 2020 5:15 pm  #4


Re: Why The Trump Impeachment Trial Isn't On Buffalo OTA Stations

CPAC has C-SPAN2 coverage of the impeachment trial.

 

January 24, 2020 5:25 pm  #5


Re: Why The Trump Impeachment Trial Isn't On Buffalo OTA Stations

cash wrote:

It's on all the Buffalo stations right now?

Yes, but that was the point. They'll join in it progress when something dramatic or significant is happening and leave it when it's not. Things have changed since the Watergate days, when it was on gavel-to-gavel and there was no other place ot tune it in. Now those choices are available both on cable and the web, and the networks no longer feel obligated to cover it non-stop. 

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