XXXXX DRUDGE REPORT XXXXX MON JUNE 14, 2004 18:00:24 ET XXXXX
CBS RADIO HEAD ORDERS 'MUST CARRY' TO STATIONS FOR CLINTON BOOK SPECIAL
**Exclusive**
Move over Rush Limbaugh!
Bill Clinton is set to hit the talkradio waves with a live special promoting his new book -- one that CBS has ordered a "must carry" directive for all of its news affiliates, the DRUDGE REPORT has learned.
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Each and every one of CBS's news and talk stations will be required to take the Clinton book special, now scheduled for next 6 PM ET Thursday -- whether local programming management wants it or not!
"It's going to be like one big commercial for the book! Why didn't Mr. Clinton's publisher just buy an hour," one angry executive for a CBS news station said late Monday. "This is not news, this is marketing. I already feel dirty!"
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Other CBS radio excutives are excited about Clinton finally appearing on live talkradio.
"I can't wait for the callers," said one CBS radio suit.
The one hour session titled "CLINTON CONNECTS WITH AMERICA" will be moderated by CBS EARLY SHOW host Harry Smith.
The program appears to be part of a larger cross-promotion platform package with Clinton and CBS parent VIACOM.
The former president is set to sit with CBS's Dan Rather at the Clinton library in Arkansas for Sunday's CBS 60 MINUTES.
Developing...
CBS RADIO HEAD ORDERS 'MUST CARRY' TO ALL STATIONS FOR CLINTON BOOK SPECIAL
Mon Jun 14 2004 17:08:11 ET
From: Rivers, Steve
To: @Infinity PD News; @Infinity PD Talk
Cc: @Infinity GMs Eastern Mid-Size; @Infinity GMs Eastern Region; Sykes, John; Hollander, Joel L; @Infinity Regional VPs; @Infinity Regional Directors of Engineering
Subject: Clinton Broadcast
Importance: High
I wanted to give all of you a heads up regarding a "MUST CARRY" event coming up with former president Clinton. Mark Mason will be forwarding you the vital information, the 800#, link information, etc. very soon. There is a lot of work being done behind the scenes at the moment. The event will be 60 minutes, and a format clock is being designed to accommodate 12 minutes of commercials. Bill will be discussing his book and taking calls from listeners across America. Your listeners. At this time we are trying to get advance audio passages from the book that you will be able to run a week ahead to promote your broadcast.
Stand by for further details and thanks for the cooperation on what could be a huge event for us.
Riv
Steve Rivers
President/Programming
Infinity Broadcasting
Wouldn't you know that Harry Smith would be in the thick of it?