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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2001

In a move that reaked of censorship, the Bush administration recently asked television networks not to air videotaped footage of suspected terrorist Osama bin Laden, fearing his messages may contain secret codes to operatives.

They agreed, and Americans were deprived of uncut footage of a person many consider a raving lunatic.

In response, American tuned out President Bush -- whom some might consider raving, but won't say it out loud for fear of being criticized -- and watched "Friends" instead last night. As Bush sought to reassure the public about homeland security, Americans were busy finding out if Phoebe was going to kiss Sean Penn.

ABC, NBC and FOX didn't bother to show his speech anyway. CBS was the sole major holdout.

Get the Story:
FRIENDS' TOPS BUSH; SITCOM PULLS IN DOUBLE AUDIENCE OF SECURITY SPEECH (The Drudge Report 11/9)
Media Notes: Return of the Television President (The Washington Post 11/9)

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Bush to address homeland security (11/8)