Definition

Masterclass at USC

Call Out

Call Out

Call Out: CT

Definition

RAISE DOUBT, INSULT OR EXPOSE.  The overt public expression of doubt or concern.

 

To Catch a Network

February 26, 2008

Entertainment Play Action Analysis

Network television programming in contemporary times is a pretty simple thing. A rival comes up with a good show idea and every other network runs a Crowd or Draft play hoping to get a piece of the pie. So it is rather notable when a network decides to air a program directly attacking a rival’s program.

That is what ABC’s “20/20” did when it ran a scathing piece on the NBC “To Catch a Predator” series. The piece was nothing short of a Call Out play, as ABC accused NBC of taking part in vigilante justice and violating the civil rights of all individuals shown on “To Catch a Predator”. The icing on the cake was the accusation that NBC had caused the suicide of William Conradt, a Texas prosecutor, who was targeted in a botched undercover sting against alleged pedophiles. NBC was unable to get Conradt to go to the sting house, so the decision was made to go get him at his home. After the house was surrounded, police and NBC broke in just in time to witness Conradt shooting himself in the head.

“To Catch a Predator” had been a great asset for NBC. The show portrayed NBC as a network that cares about the community, while amassing high ratings and beating out competing network shows. This had to have been a source of great frustration for ABC since it had no show to compete with “To Catch a Predator.” Yet ABC knew that the show bordered on vigilante justice and saw an opportunity to create some friction. By running the anti-“To Catch a Predator” segment, ABC was able to do three highly frictional things. First, ABC was able to portray NBC as a callous network that would be willing to sacrifice the life of an innocent person for ratings. Second, ABC was able to inject the always controversial topic of civil rights into the discussion. Third, and most importantly, the segment helped bring lawsuits against NBC. The lawsuits stopped the show and a rating bonanza for NBC.
Despite the pending lawsuits, NBC has the opportunity to return the blow by running a Mirror play and exposing the investigations done by ABC. It could be done, but it is likely that ABC will be anticipating such a move. Ultimately, it is a huge victory for ABC. Now, if only ABC could figure out a way to bring down Fox’s American Idol.

Post by Matias Cavalin, MA candidate

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