TV networks are gearing up to cover what could be the most-watched presidential inauguration in history, the New York Times reports. The major networks are planning exhaustive coverage. Channels not known for political coverage like MTV, BET, and Nickelodeon plan to send reporters, and even the Home Shopping Network is preparing to set up at one of the inauguration balls to flog memorabilia.
CBS stations have urged the network to cover every hour of proceedings. Networks are adding extra cameras to the route and plan a full day of coverage bookended by special editions of morning shows and evening news. Coverage will continue from the inauguration balls into prime time—although by then it will be competing with American Idol.
(More inauguration stories.)