Editorial: Network commits major-league error

Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2000 | 9:40 a.m.

After first balking, Gov. George W. Bush earlier this month eventually agreed to join Vice President Al Gore in the three debates sponsored by the Commission on Presidential Debates. It appeared that the debate over the debates had been settled, a resolution that would allow the largest possible audience to see the candidates since the debate would appear on all three major television networks, PBS and a host of all-news networks.

Well, think again.

The news service Reuters reported Saturday that NBC will show a baseball divisional playoff game instead of the first debate on Oct. 3 between Bush and Gore. In addition, NBC will not broadcast the third and final debate on Oct. 17 if it takes more than five games to determine who wins the American League championship. Baseball may be the nation's pastime, but it is ridiculous to give center stage to a divisional playoff game instead of a presidential debate.

Sure, those without cable television can still turn to CBS, ABC and PBS to watch the debate, but this decision speaks volumes about NBC's lack of commitment to covering the most important election held every four years. In addition, superficial campaign ads on television are no substitute for debates, which are an excellent way to see a candidate explain in some detail -- and under pressure -- his stands on the issues.

NBC notes that its contract with Major League Baseball prevents pre-emption of the playoffs. But that doesn't excuse NBC from entering into a contract in the first place that allows commercial considerations to override its commitment to covering news. Then again, considering this is the network that gave us stale, tape-delayed coverage of the Olympics, maybe this decision shouldn't be too surprising.