[fml]

"Actually, in sports you can do more," Mr. Rather said. "You can say the fullback missed a block. Here we don't even get to do that."

Since when?!?

[RGSpincich]

If the networks want a real convention then they should avoid anointing any one candidate during the primaries.

[Egon]

"That's why I find it hard to climb those stairs and get into the anchor chair anymore."

I've lived in South Dakota, where Brokaw is from-- there's not a need for a lot of stairs there. Then again, maybe he's just old. Maybe they need to install elevators where he's at. Maybe he needs a diction coach. Then again, maybe he needs to retire, as his influence is finally waning...

[Malesherbes]

Chris Wallace this morning on Fox and Friends: The comments from the over-the-air network executives and anchors are "like the sound you hear from dinosaurs just before they become extinct."

[Buggman]

He noted that CNN and PBS did far better during the Democratic National Convention and said audiences with strong partisan preferences seemed to be gravitating during the conventions to channels that they were most comfortable with.

And what does that say about CNN and PBS's "unbiased" coverage? Go on, Mr. Rosenstiel, say it. Say it, I dares ya!

[proud American in Canada]

"That's why I find it hard to climb those stairs and get into the anchor chair anymore."

Awwww, poor baby.

*insert eye-rolling smiley*

[TomGuy]

Brokaw, Jenning, Rather and the other are just lucky that a car chase in LA didn't break out last nite or no one would have watched them. No network or cable channel does car chases like FoxNews.

[randog]

Norman Podhoretz, a self-described "neo-con", was interviewed on PBS the other day. He said that he didn't watch the conventions, either, for the reasons stated above--everyone knows the details already, and that's true. In this day of instant communications and rapid travel, the party platforms and candidates are well-understood by the populace before the conventions take place. The conventions have become a ceremony to bless everything.

I believe it was George Will that wrote a column back before the Iraq War that argued that the UN has become irrelevant because the need for international diplomats had diminished due to instant communications and rapid travel. There was no need for a country to send a delegate to one common place to project that countries interests--it could easily be done by the leaders themselves with the technology available.

We're rapidly seeing old institutions like the MSM crumble as new technologies take their place. Large congregations, like party conventions, where the party leaders hammer out platforms and elect candidates is just another one of those dinosaurs.

[jwpjr]

I think a lot of people were interested in the conventions. If I were watching on Fox because it's the only network with coverage, why would I change to another network at 10 PM?

[river rat]

When these blow dried "news readers" decided to tell us what to think about the news -- starting with the lying socialist Cronkite, they stopped being "reporters" - they became propagandists.

Semper Fi

[JLAGRAYFOX]

You really have to laugh at these morons like Tom Brokaw, Dan Rather, etc. They just don't get it! They are lost and will never be found? Just like John Kerry and that idiot, John Edwards!!!

[Sicon]

said Mr. Brokaw, who is retiring after the election

Yeah, don't let the door hit you in the @ss on the way out, ya sanctimonious blowhard! Now if only Jennings and Blather would ride off into the sunset, I might actually be able to watch network TV again.

[manic4organic]

Chris Wallace was simply giddy on Fox News this a.m. about the ratings. He quoted one of his coworkers -- talking about the network whining -- as saying "that's the sound a dinosaur makes when he's going extinct."

[rocky88]

"After beating the broadcast networks for the first time on Tuesday, Fox News dominated viewership from 10 to 11 p.m. on Wednesday, when Vice President Dick Cheney gave his acceptance speech. Fox not only pulled in more viewers than any individual broadcast network, with 5.918 million, but also attracted more viewers than CBS (2.6 million) and ABC (3.3 million) combined. NBC had 4.5 million viewers, according to Nielsen Media Research. "

I'm actually in shock that the NY SLimes would actually report this FACT. How unlike them!

[GSWarrior]

Dennis Miller interviewed George H.W. Bush on MSNBC. Does anyone know if the elder Bush was interviewed by anyone else? In the 60s and 70s I can guarantee you that all the major networks would have fallen over each other to interview an ex-president, especially one whose son is accepting the nomination that very night. What a great interview that would be.

The networks wonder why viewers are turning away.

[cynicom]

When will the networks rfealize that having one face in the same chair for 30 years does not a winner make. Cronkite overstayed his usefulness and became nothing but a Kennedy shill for the dems.

[truthandlife]

This is great. The liberals don't get it and they blame others like they always do. They cannot look at themselves and see that they are a major turnoff to the American people. I hope they continue to believe this because they will continue to become extinct.

[PogySailor]

My choice for convention watching was CSPAN or INHD. No commentators. No chyron.

[N. Theknow]

But he argued not to overstate Fox's success this week. "I think it's premature to suggest this is a sign of Fox rising," Mr. Rosenstiel said.

Attention all passengers of the Titanic - It is premature to notice the water level in your cabins.

[q_an_a]

they get six months of conflict as a candidate is chosen then bitch because the convention isn't a blood bath too. You can't please these people because they love NEGATIVE ACTIONS/COMMENTS not positive results.