Fox to change World Series time for Obama

The Hollywood Reporter ^ | Oct 15, 2008 | Paul J. Gough

[AnnaZ]

Fox to change World Series time for Obama

Presidential candidate's ad buy interfering with game

By Paul J. Gough

Oct 15, 2008, 03:15 PM ET

Updated: Oct 15, 2008, 10:06 PM ET

NEW YORK -- Barack Obama might have the power to move the World Series by a few minutes.

To accommodate a half-hour Obama time buy on Fox on Oct. 29, Major League Baseball has agreed to move the start time of World Series Game 6 by about 15 minutes. That would move the start of the game from 8:20 p.m. ET or so to 8:35 p.m.

"Fox will accommodate Senator Obama's desire to communicate with voters in this longform format," Fox Sports said in a statement. "We are pleased that Major League Baseball has agreed to delay the first pitch of World Series Game 6 for a few minutes in order for Fox to carry his program on Oct. 29. If requested, the network would be willing to make similar time available to Senator McCain's campaign."

Along with CBS and NBC, Fox was approached by the Obama campaign last week to purchase the 8-8:30 p.m. time slot Oct. 29. If a Game 6 is needed, Fox is obligated to carry the game. That prevented the network from agreeing outright to carry the commercial, which was cleared by CBS and NBC last Thursday.

The blessing from MLB clears the way for Fox to air the promo and collect upward of $1 million in ad revenue for the half hour, more than what either CBS or NBC was charging.

While a big network ad buy from a presidential candidate is rare, it's not unprecedented for a network and sports league to move the start time of a sports event to accommodate a political broadcast. In early September, the National Football League moved up the kickoff time of the opening-night game -- which aired on NBC -- to 7 p.m. to make sure that the game would be over before Sen. John McCain stepped up to the podium to accept the nomination of the Republican party during the RNC.

[character_matters]

I think someone should follow with a half hour montage of “Obama in his own words” and fill in with a few words from his associates.

[Road Warrior ‘04]

I'd say boycott Fox, but this is the entertainment side. However, with that said (and I said it last night because of the All Star panel, including Brit Hume):

Boycott Faux News!

Except for Fox & Friends, Megyn Kelly & Cavuto.

[wastedyears]

Where is he getting the money? Soros

[TenthAmendmentChampion]

We should all go with them and take it back over. Grow a real capitalist country right under their noses!

[kevinm13]

McCain/Palin should plan a 5 minute rebuttle immediately afterwards to go over all the lies. It would cost a lot less than the 30 min NObama infomercial (”Buy now, but wait... if you vote early, you can vote twice or even more times in Acorn districts. Don’t forget free rides to the polls. Buy now”) and would be the last thing people remember just before the World Series Game. Very effective.

[TenthAmendmentChampion]

Saudi Arabia

[Red in Blue PA]

Instead of the National Anthem, everyone should face Obama’s logo and salute.

That’s what we’re coming to......

[Carley]

Speaking of high def. Heard some idiot call in and say that on his high def during the debate he saw that McC had dandruff so that told him that women would not be voting for McC.

Didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

[Red in Blue PA]

We already do....they’re called MSNBC, CNN, ABC, CBS, PBS........

[floriduh voter]

Did Fox invite Ayers to the debate lsst night too? I mean, they’re bending over backwards (except for Hannity) to kiss up to Barack Obama. Maybe Fox will send Ayers to the World Series too!

[TenthAmendmentChampion]

Hannity could have a live freedom concert!

[Churchillspirit]

I figured on a White Sox - Cubs series with Baraq and Michelle on camera every inning for 7 games.

Yes. Thank God we were spared that.

[donaldo]

“What has always made the state a hell on earth has been precisely that man has tried to make it his heaven.”
F. Hoelderlin

[floriduh voter]

Go, Rays! I went to b-ball camp w/the Rays.

[Churchillspirit]

Obama already has his own TV channel.

[who knows what evil?]

I figured on a White Sox - Cubs series with Baraq and Michelle on camera every inning for 7 games.

Great...now if the Rays can dispose of the Red Sox; we won't have to put up with images of the elite parked on their butts in Fenway Park.

[floriduh voter]

Barack Obama address: “People of earth, let me share your success with the wino in the gutter behind you.” Cheap wine is the next civil right.

[fatima]

Well God bless him the lights were hurting his eyes.Makeup people should have seen the dandruff.We were watching the Phillies on the HiDef and then I was running in to get a look at the debate on the kitchen TV.I am so tired today but it was worth it.Can’t wait for the series.People are going to be so mad at Bambi once word gets out that he made them move the time.I am going to hold my ears-hehehe

[LibertyRocks]

Quite frightening, isn’t it?

Thank you for that quote. I’ve never heard it before.

[floriduh voter]

foul ball! (actually no.....)