I was sitting in the office today, licking my wounds from the slings and arrows sent my way in response to my last blog on the ABC News Special on the President’s health care proposals.  I was pondering my next subject.  Struggling to stay relevant, the next subject landed on my desk in the form of an e-mail from a long time reader and commenter on this space - 6News’ newly-launch newscast streaming.

In addition to the broadcasts on WRTV, all 6News programming is now simultaneously streamed on theIndyChannel.com.  Users can watch the same content weekdays  from 5-7AM, at noon, 5, 6, 7 and 11PM and on weekends at 6PM and 11PM both days. (Disclaimer: weekend times may vary due to live sporting events and prime time runovers).

Due to copyright issues, there are no commercials, just black holes in those slots (for now).

And, to answer his query, this wasn’t done in reaction to a competitor.  It’s being done as a response to understanding that viewers are consuming media differently these days, on their terms.  This is just another outlet to reach and serve them.

My correspondent did offer a couple of interesting ideas.  We may have viewers around the world either interested in Indiana or originially from here or lived here at one time who want to watch a local newscast.  He’s definitely a capitalist, noting that, eventually, we may be able to stream commercials in these shows and, as he suggests, sell products to the sheiks of Dubai who happen to catch the 7PM news.  Imagine a Watson’s pool or Andy Mohr Chevy in the deserts of the Arabian peninsula.

Interesting thoughts, full of possibilities.  I’d be interested in your take.  Take a look and let me know what you think.

(Updated June 24) This evening, ABC News has scheduled a prime time program “Primetime: Questions for the President: Prescription for America.” And, as with any issue with which the right wing has a strong view, especially one involving Barack Obama, the e-mail inboxes of ABC general managers across America are being jammed with standardized complaints from folks who follow orders well, copying, pasting and forwarding. All of this without understanding what the program’s about, how it is being produced or what voices will be heard.

The standard e-mail I’ve received from most:

It’s my understanding that on June 24th ABC will air a program titled “Prescription for America”, pitching President Obama’s healthcare reform plan and that no opposing views will be allowed.  This is not a news program, but rather a biased infomercial aimed at misinforming the American people in an attempt to gain public support for the President’s ill-conceived, outrageously expensive and fiscally irresponsible healthcare reform plan.  Your viewers deserve to hear both sides of the debate and not be subjected to this type of brainwashing.

In the time slot allotted for this program, might I suggest that you run some Three Stooges movies instead?  If nothing else, if you must run this farce, please be sure to regularly inform your listeners that this program is in no way a balanced discussion of the subject and that only the President’s views are being aired.

This is an example of a kind of shameful journalism that is becoming too commonplace and I hope that your station will show some integrity and not air the program.  I’ll be watching, but only to gather the names of the advertisers.  I’m sure you can guess what I’ll do after that.

I love it when the “unloyal opposition” has already figured out what the content of the program is and assumes it won’t be a balanced discussion on this important subject of health care.  ABC News should be more like  the standard for “fair and balanced” -  Fox News on cable.  Opposing viewpoints are important and need to be heard, but those with opposing viewpoints also need open their minds and listen before making them up.

ABC News received and responded to a letter from Ken McKay of the Republican National Committee which raised concerns regarding the special. McKay is “concerned this event will become a glorified infomercial to promote the Democrat agenda,” and asked that it be paid for by the Democratic National Committee if the Republican Party isn’t included in the event.

ABC News has responded. They told McKay and the RNC  that “ABC is looking for the most thoughtful and diverse voices on this issue. ABC News alone will select those who will be in the audience asking questions of the President. Like any programs we broadcast, ABC News will have complete editorial control.

I’ve been through this many times before with viewers whipped up and making threats of viewing and sponsor boycotts.  And, in every instance, it’s been a “tempest in a teapot. ‘

I’m looking forward to airing this tomorrow evening and proud of ABC News for leading this way in discussing this important issue of public importance. Nearly 46 million people in this country are without basic health care.  Medical expenses are out of control. The World Health Organization ranks the U.S. health care at 37th in the world, just ahead of Slovenia and Cuba. Even Morocco is ahead of us…Morocco!!

The Obama White House has taken this on as a pillar of the administration.  This is the beginning of a dialogue that needs to take place.  It starts tonight.