"DEBATE-GATE" (MY TITLE) DEBATE WON'T BE ON TV FLA GOV. BUSH V. MCBRIDE

The St. Petersburg Times ^ | September 24, 2002 | Wes Allison, Times Staff Writer

[floriduh voter]

WTSP-TV Ch. 10 won't let Friday's Bush-McBride debate pre-empt the season premiere of 48 Hours.

What does Lesley Stahl have that Gov. Jeb Bush and Bill McBride don't have? Ratings and ad revenue, apparently.

Friday's debate between Bush and McBride isn't scheduled to air in the Tampa Bay area, McBride's home, because CBS won't let WTSP-TV Ch. 10 pre-empt the season premiere of 48 Hours Investigates, the station said Monday.

Stahl is the show's new anchor, replacing Dan Rather, and CBS has been heavily promoting her new role. So instead of seeing Bush and McBride answer questions posed by Floridians, local viewers will see a story about a psychiatrist accused of having sex with a patient who has multiple personalities.

"Once we hit prime time, we have to ask CBS, and when you're talking about covering up something in premiere week, they're just not as cooperative," said Lane Michaelsen, vice president and news director at WTSP in St. Petersburg.

"This is premiere week for many network television shows, so yeah, this is a very important time for them," he added. "They're launching new shows and new people and new promotions. The networks want those shows on the air."

The debate is sponsored by the Florida News Network, a consortium of TV stations from around the state representing myriad networks. WTSP, a CBS affiliate, is the local member.

Another CBS affiliate in the network, WINK-TV of Fort Myers, can't air the debate either, its program director said.

But the third CBS station in the network, WCTV in Tallahassee, will air the debate live, 48 Hours be darned. Executives expressed surprise that WTSP and WINK weren't.

"We told (CBS) we were going to run the debate. I discussed it with them, and I got the impression they understood," said Nick Waller, vice president of operations and program director at WCTV. "They didn't say adamantly we had to run their programming. They're pretty flexible."

Waller and Mike Smith, the station's vice president of news and production, said WCTV committed to airing the debate months ago. While they didn't like preempting 48 Hours, they believe it is worth it.

"We felt like that was the best thing for the viewing public," Waller said. "A political debate is somewhat more important that one episode of 48 Hours."

The hourlong, commercial-free debate is scheduled for 8 p.m. from the studios of WJXT in Jacksonville, an independent station that until recently was a CBS affiliate. It also will air on WPLG in Miami, WFTV in Orlando and WEAR in Pensacola.

Michaelsen said he asked WJXT, which is independent, to move the debate to 7 p.m. so WTSP could air it, but the station declined.

Bush campaign spokesman Todd Harris said the campaign negotiated a 7 p.m. airtime with FNN, "and they came back to us and told us it had to be at 8." Harris said the Bush campaign was "hopeful" WTSP would reverse its decision.

This is the first of three scheduled Bush-McBride debates, and the format will feature the usual opening and closing statements with questions posed by Floridians randomly selected and videotaped by member stations. The moderator is WPLG political reporter Michael Putney, who has the leeway to ask followup questions.

Two more gubernatorial debates are scheduled before the Nov. 5 election: a radio debate Oct. 15; and an Oct. 22 debate in Orlando that will be televised on NBC stations, including WFLA-Ch. 8.

WTSP does plan to carry the debate live on its Web site, www.wtsp.com. Michaelsen said he also hopes to persuade another Tampa Bay area station to carry the debate live.

Greg Stetson, program director at WINK in Fort Myers, said he's looking for a time this weekend to air a recording of the debate, but it is proving difficult. "We've got enough football this weekend that I have not found a spot to put it yet."

-- Times staff writer Steve Bousquet contributed to this report.

[windchime]

Am curious to know from which corners and to what extent the 'public outcry' occurred. You know, the story behind the story.

The voters in the Tampa Bay area are the winners! (and if they watch, JEB, too!)

A LIVE thread would be great. It needs to be just one so information will be in consolidated form.

[sport]

The media probably believes that Jeb will score more points in the debate than mcbride.

The media is going to do everything wiuthin their power to ensure a mcbride win.

[PhilDragoo]

CBS has been active in the past, is active in the present and will be active in the future in support of Democrats.

Recall the 1992 60 Minutes wherein Steve Croft interviewed the Clintons, put-some-ice-on-it said their troubles should only be discussed between man and wife, Hitlery twanged she weren't in the kitch'n bakin' brownies or singin' "Stand By Yore Man" like Tammy Why-net. Then they blew up the lights and everybody hit the floor--in a prearranged bit.

Note that CBS/Viacom/Simon & Schuster paid Hitlery 8 mill.

Note that CBS King Dork Dan the Dan Dan said traitorrapist42 is "an honest man".

So CBS is shilling for McBribe/McAuliffe et al--I am [not] shocked.

Jeb will be a squadron of combines threshing McBribe like a field of wheat.

Physics insists character and intelligence cannot be created in the course of a debate.

Much to the dismay of Dinglewood, Norbert and Gore, LLC.

[floriduh voter]

Those poor Bucs, playing until 3:00 am. LOL

[floriduh voter]

THIS JUST IN, WELL KINDA OF. NOW, WTSP-CBS Channel 10 is re-broadcasting the debate Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m. The question becomes, who didn't call WTSP today? They didn't mention phone calls.

I love the new Jeb Bush commercial by law enforcement. The Sheriff says "Ask the criminals about Governor Bush's crime prevention programs." What a great commercial!

[floriduh voter]

A Debate thread would work WELL if some freepers signed on to transcribe only Governor Bush's comments and other freepers signed on to transcribe only McLawyer's comments. Otherwise, it will be a big, blather of he said, he said without any order.

Ya think? If someone will help me, I'll volunteer to transcribe as best I can McBride's questions & answers. I won't do it alone. I need an assistant.

Then at least two people should volunteer to transcribe Jeb's questions & answers. WE THEN SPLIT UP THE TYPING AND CAN CONCENTRATE ON ONLY ONE-HALF OF THE DEBATE AND ENJOY THE REST. I have to make popcorn and everything.

If gets really lively at some point, then it will be a free for all and we'll just have to let the thread become a living, breathing document. LOL Please advise. FV

[floriduh voter]

Didn't Bernard Goldberg do a tell all book on CBS last year?

[windchime]

You have said it all, floriduh voter.
"WE THEN SPLIT UP THE TYPING AND CAN CONCENTRATE ON ONLY ONE-HALF OF THE DEBATE AND ENJOY THE REST."

I was one of those thinking a live thread would be a good idea, but in weighing your comments, the downside is illustrated. To benefit fully from a television debate, one must watch body language and facial expressions and listen to each word. Trying to relate the event on a live thread would eliminate 2/3, or the visual part, of the exchanges for the transcribers and the readers. Also, there most likely will be a transcript available online so the exhaustive effort (except for personal comments and observations) will not have produced much above and beyond what would be available without it.

I don't know if others on FR do this, but I TAPE EVERYTHING (of importance of course)! I have the entire Gulf War- 24 hours a day plus interviews w/Saddam- on tape.

May I suggest others join me in my compulsion (video taping the debate) and we can have a discussion on a thread after the debate. This way everyone can watch with friends and family and will have their comments for the thread. They can refer to their tape to clarify information if they have chosen to tape it.

My caution would be that in the critique of the debate we don't convey helpful information to the McBride/McAuliffe team. If anything falls into the category of "loose lips sink ships", it should be FReepmailed.

This way everyone can concentrate and enjoy all of it (with popcorn).

[Nuke'm Glowing]

LOL, well, I live over an hour south...and it took an hour to get out of the parking lot. Wow, what a party, lol...

[JulieRNR21]

May I suggest others join me in my compulsion (video taping the debate) and we can have a discussion on a thread after the debate. This way everyone can watch with friends and family and will have their comments for the thread. They can refer to their tape to clarify information if they have chosen to tape it.

My caution would be that in the critique of the debate we don't convey helpful information to the McBride/McAuliffe team. If anything falls into the category of "loose lips sink ships", it should be FReepmailed.

This way everyone can concentrate and enjoy all of it (with popcorn).

Excellent suggestion! As I am 'debate deprived' (due to being held 'hostage' in Kennedy Kountry).....I'll be very interested in reading your comments about the debate. On the plus side (even though I can't vote for him); I saw Mitt Romney take on RAT Shannon O'Brien tonight. He outshown her in every way.....I'm feeling optimistic for a GOP win in MA.

[JulieRNR21]

Please see my post #50

[Goldwater Girl]

CBS affiliate in SW Fl WINK TV is broadcasting dbate live at 8pm Friday- but it's republican country, and they'd be in for it if they spiked it here. They cover Naples, Ft. Myers, Charlotte, Sarasota- and some points east.
Any news from the other major metro areas: Orlando, Jax, Miami?

[windchime]

The only thing worse than debate deprivation is election night deprivation! I think the thread on the first debate will be more comprehensive when we're not trying to run commentary while watching.

Really good news on Mitt Romney. He did such a terrific job handling the Olympics that it's hard to imagine a job he couldn't do well.

Stay safe in Kennedy Kountry.

[Joe Brower]

Taping the debate sounds like a good idea. I have to be sure to check the local listings to ensure that I don't miss it. Once I get the tape running, my boy and I will then break out the Nerf-blasters and plaster McBribe's face all over with suction-cup darts.

[floriduh voter]

I don't know about the other markets but it there's some blurring at the edges regarding who made the decision to spike the debate at CBS. CBS and their affiliates are playing the blame game. They are blaming the Jax affiliate where the debate is being held. The time went from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

That "threw" local affiliates off and I guess this must be a really special 48 Hours about psychs having sex with their patients; more important than one of the important business of the re-election of Governor Bush.

Since CBS played the blame game, even per today's paper, I am not watching them any more. GOODBYE CBS, I knew you weren't fair and balanced, but this is ridiculous!

[floriduh voter]

Sorry about the poor sentence structure mid-way down on my last post. I have my new glasses on and I can't see a thing with them. LOL

Go, Governor Bush. You already won the debate and the election!

We are also on CHEATING HIGH ALERT, everyone.

[floriduh voter]

I think you're right about a debate thread. Transcription instead of commentary would be preferred but I'm sure McLawyer will even get the best transcriptionist off their game when the false allegations and attacks on Governor Bush start to fly.

I don't mind transcribing McLawyer's q & a. I'd just do one post and hit the post button when he's done answering each question.

Then, people who can't see the debate will at least have something to follow.

If posters want to add their comments, there's really no way we can admonish them IMO. But, if it's from me, FV, it will be straight typing. I can scream at my tv when the debate's over. LOL

Let me know if you think this will work. It's better than confusing people. How about at the beginning of the thread, we identify the screen names of the people who are transcribing only? That way, lurkers can search for the q & a's if that's all they're interested in. I VOLUNTEER TO TRANSCRIBE BILL MCBRIDE'S Q & A as it happens. I type fast but this is not going to be perfect like a depo transcript.

If you or someone wants to help transcribe GOVERNOR BUSH'S Q & A, they should let you know.

I would also recommend that someone else observe all else, moderator, stage, unauthorized comments from the audience, MISCELLANEOUS OBSERVER. That would be three to five VOLUNTEERS.

Of course, the debate transcript will probably be on line by Saturday. We'd just be giving a live version. If you don't want to go this way, whatever, I'm flexible. FV

[floriduh voter]

Do you get any of these stations? DEBATE NEWS BREAKING...

Great News! There will be a televised debate between Bill McBride and Jeb Bush on September 27th from 8pm-9pm in Jacksonville. This debate is sponsored by The Florida News Network and moderated by Michael Putney of WPLG.

The following local affiliates agreed to air the debate live:

WFTV - Orlando WPLG - Miami WJXT - Jacksonville WCTV - Tallahassee WFGX - Pensacola (7:00 p.m. central time) WPBF - West Palm Beach WEDU - Tampa WINK - Ft. Meyers

If you are outside of these areas, please contact your local Florida News Network affiliate (listed below). Let them know this debate is an important part of the political process and it is important that they carry it.

WCJB - Gainesville/Ocala (ABC) 352.377.2020 WWSB - Sarasota (ABC) 941.923.8840 WJHG - Panama City (NBC) 850.234.7777

[floriduh voter]

Yes, wc, I tape everything too but, my tv is right next to my computer so I really don't need to watch the body language that closely. I can do that later. I don't mind transcribing McLawyer "live".

I just saw this post. I was reading last posts first and just found this one from you.

Anyway, all these stations are going to carry the debate: BREAKING... Please ping your friends or copy & paste.

Great News! There will be a televised debate between Bill McBride and Jeb Bush on September 27th from 8pm-9pm in Jacksonville. This debate is sponsored by The Florida News Network and moderated by Michael Putney of WPLG.

The following local affiliates agreed to air the debate live:

WFTV - Orlando WPLG - Miami WJXT - Jacksonville WCTV - Tallahassee WFGX - Pensacola (7:00 p.m. central time) WPBF - West Palm Beach WEDU - Tampa WINK - Ft. Meyers

If you are outside of these areas, please contact your local Florida News Network affiliate (listed below). Let them know this debate is an important part of the political process and it is important that they carry it.

WCJB - Gainesville/Ocala (ABC) 352.377.2020 WWSB - Sarasota (ABC) 941.923.8840 WJHG - Panama City (NBC) 850.234.7777

YES, AND WE MUST REMEMBER NOT TO POINT OUT SOMETHING ABOUT MCBRIDE THAT HE NEEDS TO WORK ON. Believe me, we don't want to help McBride in any way. Unlike Algor who got worse with each debate, maybe McBride's a quick study and we don't want him to improve by the time he has to face Governor Bush and TIM RUSSERT! LOOSE LIPS SINK ELECTION SHIPS.

[floriduh voter]

Please see my posts above. I don't mind transcribing McBride "live". And, I promise not to critique him (assist his campaign). I will try to do it word for word. My tv is by my computer. My posts will start MCBRIDE Q & A: so people can spot them. I don't mind. Then you guys can join in later.

Here's the latest list of stations carrying the DEBATE:

BREAKING - There will be a televised debate between Bill McBride and Jeb Bush on September 27th from 8pm-9pm in Jacksonville. This debate is sponsored by The Florida News Network and moderated by Michael Putney of WPLG.

The following local affiliates agreed to air the debate live:

WFTV - Orlando WPLG - Miami WJXT - Jacksonville WCTV - Tallahassee WFGX - Pensacola (7:00 p.m. central time) WPBF - West Palm Beach WEDU - Tampa WINK - Ft. Meyers

If you are outside of these areas, please contact your local Florida News Network affiliate (listed below). Let them know this debate is an important part of the political process and it is important that they carry it.

WCJB - Gainesville/Ocala (ABC) 352.377.2020 WWSB - Sarasota (ABC) 941.923.8840 WJHG - Panama City (NBC) 850.234.7777