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It appears they were worried that the candidates might not commit.

NBC removes Tampa debate from schedule, NBC source: Debate not cancelled Saturday, January 21, 2012
http://www.cfnews13.com/article/news/2012/january/372524/NBC-removes-Tampa-debate-from-schedule-NBC-source:-Debate-not-cancelled
TAMPA —

Confusion among local NBC affiliates started Friday after NBC News officials told affiliates the network would keep standard program listings for Monday night instead of airing the GOP presidential debate from USF in Tampa, an NBC News source said late Friday night.

Earlier Friday, Tampa NBC affiliate WFLA News Channel 8 News Director Don North confirmed the network informed local affiliates the debate planned to air nationally on NBC would be replaced with the regularly scheduled programming.

The NBC official said the network made the decision out of an abundance of caution and the network would update the schedule with more information as it became known.

The debate has been scheduled to air from the University of South Florida from 9 to 11 p.m. Monday night for several months.

In an official statement, NBC News said, “Preparations for the NBC News, National Journal, Tampa Bay Times debate continue. We fully intend to proceed with this long-planned event and we hope and expect all the qualifying candidates will participate.”

The NBC official said none of the four remaining GOP presidential candidates have committed, but also that none of the four have stated they would not participate.

North said Mitt Romney and his campaign have yet to commit to taking part in the debate. Romney’s presence in the debate is likely to sway the networks decision on when and if it will air the Tampa debate.

The official emphasized the debate was not cancelled and “was not pulled,” but according to North, the debate will be replaced on the schedule with “Fear Factor” and “Rock Center,” as the schedule now stands.

A tweet from NBC News Director of PR Ericka Masonhall on Friday afternoon echoed the official’s statement, with continued construction progress of NBC’s set for the debate at the university Monday:

“Set build coming along nicely for Monday’s @nbcnews @nationaljournal @tb_times #fldebate in Tampa. #decision2012 http://instagr.am/p/i49qq/";

God, the streams are gonna be a nightmare tonight.

Thanks appreciate the facts and background.

Kind of sounds like NBC doesn't want Mitten's ass kicked in front of America again.

I went to my local NBC affiliate's website at the schedule tab. It shows the debate at 8pm in the mountain zone. So if it's at 9et, why is it at 8 mountain?? Is this a replay of the CBS 'mostly on TV and stream the rest on a crappy website' kind of experience. The left has no shame. This is an absolute pantload.

TRANSLATION: Drive down the ratings, so they can spin the attacks on Newt