Minidebate over impact on localism of media consolidation heated ...
Minidebate over impact on localism of media consolidation heated up Wed., mainly in response to claim by network official that ABC affiliate WPLG (Ch. 9) Miami was preempting children’s educational programming for infomercials (CD July 18 p1). Post- Newsweek…
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Stations Pres. Alan Frank said it was “unequivocally incorrect” that station ever preempted educational programming for infomercial and suggested network officials could be confused because station regularly ran programs out of pattern (on schedule different from network feed) “with the network’s blessing” to accommodate local news. However, network officials said WPLG consistently preempted 11:30 a.m. Doug show, which is FCC-approved educational show, during May sweeps to accommodate infomercials. Network said show wasn’t moved to different time. “They are confused,” Frank responded. Network plans to make FCC filing Mon. on local station preemptions, official said, detailing preemptions at WPLG and other stations. “There is no question that it is accurate” that WPLG preemptions were as claimed, he said: “We're one hundred percent sure.” Disney chief lobbyist Preston Padden said: “In this time period the network is broadcasting an educational program for children. WPLG is instead running a program-length commercial for hair restoration. They can call it a preemption or a non-clearance, but the effect on the public is the same.”