NFL Simulcasts Bump News Programs

The NFL’s decision to simulcast tomorrow night’s highly anticipated and potentially historic match-up between the New England Patriots and the New York Giants on NBC and CBS means two news programs and a motion picture based on a news icon, have been shelved.

CBS was planning to air Good Night and Good Luck, the movie based on Edward R. Murrow‘s challenges to Sen. Joe McCarthy during the Red Scare. A 48 Hours Mystery was also scheduled to air. On NBC, a repeat of Dateline was planned for prime time.

Meanwhile, in Boston, the Patriots-Giants game will be shown on all three network-affiliated stations: WCVB (ABC) had the rights to air the game for the benefit of those who don’t have cable TV. But with the NFL decision, WHDH (NBC) & WBZ (CBS) will also air it.

In New York the MyNetworkTV affiliate (WWOR) has the broadcast rights to the game, but the deal means it will also air on WNBC & WCBS.

The decision is not sitting well with WCVB & WWOR.

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