Yesterday, I fantasized about a news media that regains its integrity and refuses to give Donald Trump all the free airtime he so easily exploits — but I doubted that any TV outlet would be able to break its addiction to him.
Now, take a look at remarks from CBS Chairman Les Moonves (at a tech conference in San Francisco) explaining exactly why it will never happen:
“It may not be good for America, but it’s damn good for CBS,” he said of the presidential race. Moonves called the campaign for president a “circus” full of “bomb throwing,” and he hopes it continues. “Most of the ads are not about issues. They’re sort of like the debates. Man, who would have expected the ride we’re all having right now? … The money’s rolling in and this is fun. I’ve never seen anything like this, and this going to be a very good year for us. Sorry. It’s a terrible thing to say. But, bring it on, Donald. Keep going,” said Moonves.
“Donald’s place in this election is a good thing,” he said Monday at the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media and Telecom Conference in San Francisco. “There’s a lot of money in the marketplace,” the exec said of political advertising so far this presidential season.