Obama TV

So today, I read a story that reports ABC news will be broadcasting World News from the Blue Room of the White House. Word is that President Obama and White House officials will be pushing for a new government-run health care program. According to Drudge Report, this primetime special called "Prescription for America" has ignited an "ethical firestorm" due to the exclusion of opposing voices (visit http://www.drudgereport.com/ to read the entire story).

My question is simple: why the ethical firestorm? ABC is a private company whose directors have obviously chosen to go ahead with this project. Those board members didn't have their arms twisted or a knife to their throats - its about ratings. The president is the biggest draw on television - a reality rockstar that people want to see, so it comes as no surprise to this snake. The subject matter of the primetime special is neither here nor there. Republicans, who are oddly enough, generally opposed to the President's plan, are the main voice of opposition to ABC's decision and have been the first to voice their displeasure.

Let me make this clear: ABC news has no obligation or duty to report on both sides (support v. opposition) of this debate. Fox News, for example, is a blatantly conservative news conduit and only rarely presents opinions contrary to the ideology of the company. We never hear about the "ethical firestorm" generated by marching the Wicked Witch of the West (Ann Coulter) or the Dark Overlord of the Universe (Bill O'Reilley) out to spew their slanted venom.

I'm not taking sides here, and I haven't yet decided whether or not I personally support the President's health care reform plan, but this special will help me, and millions of other Americans, do just that. If the opposition wants equal time, let them go to Fox and ask for it. I'm sure Fox would jump at the opportunity.

Now for the philosophical question: Does ABC news have a duty or obligation to present both sides of the debate on the President's health care plan? If so, why?

Thanks for your opinions everyone. and don't forget to cast your vote in the MBTS (Marlon Brando The Snake) Poll!