Obama Primetime

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

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

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)

• The New York Times: Obama Infomercial, a Closing Argument to the Everyman (October 29, 2008)

• The Trail (Washington Post): Obama's Primetime Buy Comes at Bargain Price (October 11, 2008)

• Boston Herald: Barack Obama, TV Star (October 10, 2008)

• FOX News: Report: Obama Buys Up 30 Minutes of CBS Prime Time (October 9, 2008)

• Bloomberg.com: Obama Is in Talks to Buy Half-Hour in Primetime TV... (October 9, 2008)

• AFP: Obama buying up pre-election national television time (October 9, 2008)

• Variety: Obama special to air on CBS, NBC (October 9, 2008)

• The Live Feed (Hollywood Reporter): ...Obama Buys...Network Primetime (October 9, 2008)

• Guardian: Barack Obama to make Oprah Winfrey US ambassador to London? (October 20, 2008)