XXXXX DRUDGE REPORT XXXXX MON APRIL 12, 2004 15:04:28 ET XXXXX
FOX DEBATES: 'AMERICAN IDOL' OVER BUSH PRESS CONFERENCE
The White House scheduling of President Bush's formal press conference tomorrow night at 8:30 PM ET has thrown FOX-TV and its top-rated AMERICAN IDOL into chaos, the DRUDGE REPORT has learned.
FOX executives on Monday afternoon wrestled over whether to postpone this week's lucrative live IDOL showdown for the White House.
The Bush 8:30 PM press conference is set to run approximately 45 minutes, leaving a non-interrupted IDOL hour a scheduling impossibility during FOX's 8 to 10 PM primetime block.
IDOL commands the largest audience in television, with viewership levels passing 23 million in recent weeks.
One top executive argued Monday afternoon that the show should go forward -- with an on-screen disclaimer directing viewers to FOX NEWS channel for Bush coverage.
No final decision has made as this transmits.
Developing...
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Filed By Matt Drudge
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