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Networks Have The Inauguration Covered

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By WALT BELCHER

wbelcher@tampatrib.com

Published: January 8, 2009

No one draws a crowd like President-elect Barack Obama, and more than a dozen networks are gearing up to cash in on his charisma with marathon coverage of his historic inauguration Jan. 20.

Even HBO is getting into the action with an exclusive telecast of a star-studded inauguration kickoff party Jan. 18.

HBO hasn't been this excited since it forked over $1.5 million to the Presidential Inaugural Committee to televise Bill Clinton's inaugural concert in 1993.

The network probably had to pay more this time (the sum has not been disclosed). However, HBO will pass the coverage through to all cable subscribers for free.

The coverage on ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, Fox News Channel and MSNBC will run from 10 a.m. until the early evening. There will be special editions of the network morning shows and prime-time specials.

CBS plans a one-hour special at 9 p.m. about the first hours of the Obama administration. NBC and ABC will have specials at 10 p.m.

BET and TV One, networks aimed primarily at a black audience, are planning extensive coverage, from the swearing in of the 44th president to the 10 official inaugural balls in Washington that night.

For the first time, kid-friendly Nickelodeon is covering the event with pint-sized reporters Lily Collins, rocker Phil Collins' daughter, and a kid with one name, J.J. They will offer updates during commercial breaks Jan. 20. Excerpts from speeches will be packaged for child consumption.

One of the more unusual attendees at the inauguration is the QVC shopping network, which has sold more than 100,000 items related to Obama's election.

QVC will show portions of the parade and conduct interviews with spectators, then air live on the night of Jan. 20 from the Creative Coalition's inaugural ball. Host Leah Williams will be decked out in an inaugural gown.

Among the items for sale is an Obama stamp collection (from foreign counties such as Liberia); an Obama-Biden half-dollar coin and an Obama throw blanket.

Meanwhile, NBC is selling a DVD compilation of Obama's speech highlights and NBC News coverage of the campaign.

SHAKE, RATTLE AND ROLL: Elvis Presley would have turned 74 today, so TV Land will mark the anniversary with "The King's Birthday Bash" tonight. Featured are two documentaries: "Myths and Legends: Elvis" at 9 p.m., followed by "Elvis by the Presleys" at 9:30 p.m.

The first special is an in-depth look at some of the most popularly held mysteries about the King of Rock 'n' Roll and dissects them to separate fact from fiction. The second, produced by the Presley estate, is a tribute to his life and career.

REALLY BIG GAME: Hundreds of football fans are flocking to Bradenton tonight to watch the Bowl Championship Series title game in 3-D in a movie theater.

The Carmike Royal Palm 20 is expecting a sell-out by game time when the University of Florida takes on the University of Oklahoma in Miami.

Tickets are $20. The game will be shown on four screens of in the multiplex. The event is being catered and food will be sold. Alcoholic beverages will be allowed in two of the theaters. Fans have to wear special 3-D glasses to get the full effect.

More than 80 movie theaters in 35 states are carrying this 3-D digital telecast but only five theaters in Florida, according to Cinedigm Digital Cinema Corp., which is providing the service. Other locations are in Melbourne, Port St. Lucie, Pensacola, and Fernandina Beach.

The Carmike-Royal Palm 20 is at 5125 26th St. E., Bradenton, about 40 miles from Tampa. Call (941) 727-7469 for information.

TUNE IN TONIGHT

BSC title game, 8:15 p.m., Fox

The University of Florida Gators battle the University of Oklahoma Sooners in Miami for national bragging rights and the national college football title. This is the first game between these two.

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