Networks To Carry Gingrich Speech Live

In an unprecedented move, along with cable networks CNN, CNBC and C-SPAN has agreed to broadcast live a speech to the nation Friday by House Speaker Newt Gingrich to chart the progress after 100 days of the Republican Contract With America.

It is apparently the first time that a political figure other than the president has been granted free air time to address the nation on network television.

However, ABC, NBC and Fox have opted not to telecast the Gingrich address, which is scheduled to air at 5 p.m. on the West Coast. NBC reasoned that it will be covering the speaker with live interviews out of Washington Thursday on the “NBC Nightly News” and Friday on “Today.”

“If (Gingrich) says anything newsworthy, we will also cover that live after his speech on ‘Dateline NBC’ (at 9 p.m.),” said NBC spokeswoman Heidi Pokorny.

Lane Venardos, vice president of hard news and special events for CBS News, told the Hollywood Reporter that - while he understood the precedent being set - he justified live coverage of Gingrich as newsworthy due to the “sea change in government” inspired by the ballyhooed contract.

CBS will broadcast Gingrich’s half-hour talk as part of an hourlong congressional special that also includes a live Democratic response. According to sources, President Clinton himself is rumored to be a possible respondent.

Marc Rosenweig, director of prime-time programming for CNBC, defended his network’s decision, saying the Gingrich address is “a significant news event.

“Obviously, Mr. Gingrich has an impact on the agenda of the country that’s undeniable,” Rosenweig said. “It isn’t as if every politician who comes down the pike has that kind of influence.”

CNN spokesman Steve Haworth said Monday that from his network’s perspective, carrying the Gingrich address and a subsequent Democratic response was an easy decision to make.

“When there is a major speech by the speaker of the House of Representatives, we have a responsibility to be there,” Haworth said. “We’re a news network, not an entertainment network that cuts in for news occasionally.”