For Second Night, ABC and NBC Refuse to Utter Spitzer’s Party ID
Just as occurred Monday night, viewers of Tuesday’s ABC and NBC evening newscasts never heard the word “Democrat” applied to New York Governor Eliot Spitzer, nor did they even put a “(D)” on screen by his name as ABC did briefly Monday. CBS didn’t announce his party either on Tuesday night, but Katie Couric had done so Monday night. The ABC and NBC newscasts, however, did put “(R)” on screen over soundbites from Republicans and NBC’s Mike Taibbi twice referred to the reaction from “Republican” politicians.
Fill-in ABC anchor Elizabeth Vargas avoided any party tag: “New York’s Governor, Eliot Spitzer, spent most of the day today huddled behind closed doors debating whether to resign after being linked to a prostitution ring.” On NBC, substitute anchor Ann Curry led: “Tonight, the investigation of New York Governor Eliot Spitzer’s fall from grace is broadening…”
…Viewers could only figure out Spitzer’s party by implication as both shows aired a soundbite from Republican Congressman Peter King with an “(R)” on screen…
…the Tuesday ABC, CBS and NBC morning shows, in multiple stories/interviews, also failed to annunciate Spitzer’s political party….