CBS to Carry Obama News Conf.; No Decision from NBC, ABC or FOX

By Chris Ariens on July 20, 2009 12:46 PM

CBS News tells TVNewser they will be airing Pres. Obama’s news conference Wednesday night at 9pmET. Again this morning, we reached out to the other networks, but no decisions have been made.

As we pointed out Friday, from a programming perspective CBS has the least to lose. They are airing a “Criminal Minds” re-run. ABC, NBC and FOX all have original programming at 9pmET.

> Update: The White House has moved the news conference up an hour to 8pmET/7pmCT Wednesday. It will replace sitcom reruns on CBS. NBC may be more likely to take it now since they are re-airing the previous night’s “America’s Got Talent.” ABC has a new “Wipeout.” And FOX airs a two-hour “So You Think You Can Dance?” at 8pmET. The White House news release after the jump…

> Update / 5:35pm: ABC announced it will carry Pres. Obama’s news conference as well. The network was planning to air a Charlie Gibson special, “Over a Barrel: The Truth about Oil” Wednesday at 10pmET. That show will now air Friday at 10pmET as a special edition of “20/20.”

> Update / 7:02pm: NBC will carry the news conference with Brian Williams anchoring.

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
____________________________________________________________
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 20, 2009

TIME CHANGE: PRESIDENT OBAMA TO HOLD NEWS CONFERENCE WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2009 AT 8:00PM EDT

**Deadline to request credentials has passed**

On Wednesday, July 22nd, President Barack Obama will convene a nationally-televised news conference at 8:00PM EDT at the White House.

The deadline to request credentials has passed.

Applicants will be notified by 6:00PM EDT on Tuesday, July 21st if credentials have been granted and will then be provided with logistical information.