Why Bob Costas walked away from Larry King Live

[sigma7]

From IMDB: Bob Costas reportedly bailed out of hosting Larry King Live on CNN Wednesday after balking at covering the Natalee Holloway story, according to the New York Post's "Page Six" column. He was replaced by Atlanta defense attorney Chris Pixley. On Tuesday, the previous night, during a discussion of the BTK case, Costas also expressed discomfort with his subject matter. At one point, he asked reporter Larry Hatteberg of Wichita TV station KAKE-TV whether he believed serial murderer Dennis Rader was enjoying the media attention he was receiving. Hatteberg replied, "Bob, he absolutely loves it," then added: "A lot of people have said the best thing can happen to Dennis Rader is to put him in a cell and turn the light off and not give him access to any radio or any television and that would be a terrible punishment for Dennis Rader." Seemingly stung by Hatteberg's remarks, Costas remarked, "I have serious misgivings about this program right here, right now." Hatteberg: "True." Costas: "Do we contribute to an atmosphere which is not so much informative as it is voyeuristic. What's the positive purpose of this?" Today's Hollywood Reporter said that Costas also declined to front Thursday's Larry King show because it, too, would have focused on Rader. "I didn't think the subject matter of Thursday's show was the kind of broadcast that I should be doing," Costas told the trade paper. "I suggested some alternatives, but the producers preferred the topics they had chosen."

Attaboy, Bob.

Comments

[jkgriffin.livejournal.com]

Much as I loathe Bob Costas (and it's a lot) I have to respect his stand on this.

[(Anonymous)]

That is why I love the Bob Costas. He hasn't got the raw sex appeal of your Rich Eisen, of course, but I think he's a good guy.

[kitblonde.livejournal.com]

Sorry, I didn't realize I wasn't logged in and then I hated the idea of an anonymous post. Um, please feel free to delete this shit.

[kitblonde.livejournal.com]

That is why I love the Bob Costas. He hasn't got the raw sex appeal of your Rich Eisen, of course, but I think he's a good guy.

[bishop282.livejournal.com]

Great to hear. I never watch Larry's show but I'd heard that Costas was being groomed to be the permanent replacement host. This might not help him get the job, but might bring in a different set of viewers. Maybe even a larger pool of viewers.