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• Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama purchased a half hour of primetime network air time for a special which aired at 8 p.m. on October 29, 2008 -- less than one week before election day. The special aired on seven networks, including CBS, NBC and Univision. Reports said the Obama camp paid each network $1 million for the 30-minute block of time.Los Angeles Times: ABC Only Major TV Network Not Airing Obama... (October 29, 2008) AFP: World Series Game Six Start Pushed Back for Obama Show

• Fast Facts

  1. Barack Obama campaign purchased 30 minutes of primetime air time on major networksThe Live Feed: ...Obama Buys...Network Primetime
  2. Aired half-hour special at 8 p.m. EST on October 29, 2008Horserace: ...Obama Buying Airtime On CBS, Other Networks
  3. Filmed by Davis Guggenheim Guardian UK: Obama promises rescue plan for middle class in ad (October 30, 2008)
  4. Obama appeared live on last few minutes of original broadcast, speaking from rally in Florida
  5. Ad placed by GMMB advertising firm in Washington, D.C.The Live Feed: ...Obama Buys...Network Primetime
  6. Special aired on FOX; agreement reached to delay start of Game 6 of the World SeriesAFP: World Series Game Six Start Pushed Back for Obama Show
  7. Obama reportedly paid networks $1 million each for the air timeReuters: Obama Campaign to Pay Millions for Primetime Buy
  8. Ross Perot bought 30-minute block on networks during his 1992 presidential campaignHorserace: ...Obama Buying Airtime On CBS, Other Networks
  9. Perot paid $380,000 for the timeHorserace: ...Obama Buying Airtime On CBS, Other Networks

• Network Decisions

  ABC was the only major television network that did not plan to show the infomercial. Reports said the network initially agreed to broadcast the special, then changed its mind because of scheduling issues. FOX did join the other networks in agreeing to air the special, and planned to delay the start time of Game 6 of the World Series if necessary. AFP: World Series Game Six Start Pushed Back for Obama Show

• Oprah Winfrey Rumors

  According to the Drudge Report, Oprah Winfrey offered her assistance in producing the special. Details regarding compensation were not revealed, and Winfrey did not comment on the issue. The Chicago Sun-Times later reported that the special would not be taped at Winfrey's Chicago studio.Drudge Report: Oprah Offers Production Help... (October 21, 2008) The Chicago Sun-Times: Obama Not Using Oprah Winfrey... (October 21, 2008)

  The television production rumors followed political speculation that Winfrey could become Obama's ambassador to Great Britain. Several sources said that Winfrey's name was mentioned alongside Caroline Kennedy's as a possible candidate.Guardian: Barack Obama to make Oprah Winfrey US ambassador to London? (October 20, 2008)

• Related Pages on Mahalo

  Barack Obama | Election 2008 | Barack Obama Campaign | Obama Know Enough Ad | CBS | NBC | FOX | Caroline Kennedy | Oprah Britain Ambassador Rumors | 2008 World Series | Obama Closing Argument

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