A Place for 'Nightline'

Network television is in danger of losing one of its most exceptional broadcast programs. Last week, it was disclosed that ABC is attempting to replace “Nightline,” its highly celebrated in-depth news program hosted by Ted Koppel, with David Letterman’s “The Late Show.” The Walt Disney Company, which owns ABC, has tried to justify this move by saying that Letterman would lure a younger audience to the 11:35 p.m. timeslot, increasing advertising revenue for a slumping network.

This explanation is perfectly justified—in a recession, Disney is attempting to make a move that they believe will help improve ABC’s overall financial picture. More upsetting, however, was the comment to the New York Times of one anonymous ABC executive who described the format and content of “Nightline” as no longer relevant. “Nightline” is just the opposite. It remains more important and timely than ever, and its elimination from ABC would be a great loss for both the news world and for television viewers.

The history of “Nightline” reveals a continued commitment to covering pressing domestic and international issues and to producing in-depth journalism. It began as a program devoted to nightly updates on the Iranian hostage situation in 1979. Due to its success, “Nightline” continued to run and became the highlight of ABC’s news programming. Over the last two decades, Ted Koppel and the staff of “Nightline” have consistently covered worthwhile subjects in innovative ways. In the 1980s, the show hosted influential debates exploring apartheid in South Africa and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The show has produced an ongoing series examining race relations in the U.S. called “America in Black and White.” More recently, “Nightline” extensively covered the war in the Congo—a war in which millions have died, but that has received little attention in America.

The current age of constantly updated cable news and easily accessible Internet information has challenged the style of broadcasting exemplified by “Nightline.” But in a post-Sept. 11 world, with the U.S. fighting an ongoing war on terrorism, the exhaustive brand of broadcast journalism practiced by “Nightline” is even more relevant. And America’s current climate seems less appropriate than ever for standard network news, which is often notoriously shallow and superficial.

ABC and Disney are entertainment companies, and their attempts to attract younger viewers are understandable. Despite this, “Nightline” still deserves a prominent spot on the airwaves. Networks have a commitment to their viewers to provide comprehensive, informative news coverage. Quality broadcasting like “Nightline” should not be sacrificed simply to make room for entertainment programming; if ABC does secure Letterman, “Nightline” should be moved to a timeslot in primetime, even if on a more limited basis.

Television networks’ programming decisions are motivated by viewer demand. Thus, we urge the public, especially younger generations, to watch programs like “Nightline.” They provide unique and in-depth news coverage, allowing its viewers to stay informed about current, worthwhile events. This contribution has never been more important than it is today.