Why does WETA sometimes feel the need to preempt previously-scheduled shows for news events we can watch elsewhere?
On rare occasions when news events of national importance arise, WETA does indeed preempt regularly scheduled programming. Not everyone has access to the cable news media, and even many commercial news stations do not devote extensive coverage to hearings, conventions, speeches and other news events. We believe that a vital aspect of our public service is making available to the American public the proceedings of our democracy on the most momentous of issues or on the most momentous occasions for the nation. As the flagship public broadcaster in the nation’s capital, we believe that WETA has a special responsibility to dedicate broadcast time in these instances.