HBO Snags Rights to Inaugural Kickoff
Barack Obama
It's not TV, it's the presidential inauguration.
HBO has scored exclusive broadcast rights to the Jan. 18 opening ceremony of President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Don't have HBO? No worries. The network is in talks with cable and satellite distributors to air the event, which will be held at the Lincoln Memorial, without commercial interruption for free to all.
Both Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden are expected to attend, while the entertainment lineup is currently being finalized.
"[HBO's] proven track record as a leader in television will help ensure an event that reflects President-elect Obama's commitment to holding an inauguration that is open, accessible and reflects America's spirit of unity," Emmett S. Beliveau, executive director of the Presidential Inaugural Committee, said.
HBO aired a similar telecast for the 1993 inauguration of President Bill Clinton. However, that broadcast was only available to network subscribers.
"We are honored to be broadcasting an event of this national significance featuring some of the leading talent from the music and entertainment industry," Bill Nelson, Chairman and chief executive of HBO, said. "HBO is proud to work with all of our distributors to make this event accessible to as many citizens as possible."
Will you be watching the kickoff festivities?