On Tuesday at 8:48 a.m., the time that the first plane hit the World Trade Center in 2001, NBC's Today Show decided to run an interview with Kris Jenner about breast implants. The station's failure to follow suit with the moment of observance has been met with widespread anger, spurring boycotts of the program.
Although NBC included 9/11 coverage in their West Coast airing, the station is doubling down on its decision to feature Jenner, stating: "The Today show dedicated a considerable amount of time to September 11 coverage this morning throughout the entire show."
Here's what the experts had to say, according to a Fox News report.
Alex Ben Block - Hollywood Reporter Senior Editor
"It will leave a lot of people with a bad taste and that could over time translate into a loss of viewers."
"It is clear NBC needs to do things that make them stand out, but this stunk up their image instead, at a time they need to be in image repair mode."
Scott Huver - Entertainment Writer
"Ignoring a significant and solemn American milestone in favor of airing, of all things, a Kardashian interview -- right at the moment that Americans are feeling more reflective than ever about their nation and at the same time appear to be souring on the reality TV family's near-constant bid for ever more attention -- is a major shot in the foot."
"This is a huge blunder that is certain to hurt the show in the short run. The failure to acknowledge the 9/11 silence was troublesome enough, without filling the screen with empty babble from a family that many hold up to be a signifier of questionable taste."
Glen Selig - Crisis communications Specialist
"This was clearly a mistake, intentional or not. Given the raw feelings so many still have about 9/11, it was clearly disrespectful to not only avert coverage, but to supplement its programming airwaves with a reality show star Kris Jenner. To some Americans, this move will be perceived as being no different than not standing during the pledge of allegiance, or neglecting to remove your hat during the national anthem. It will seem disrespectful and un-American."
"Many will see the move as not only in poor taste but terrible taste. 'Today' should have had the foresight to know that there would be a huge backlash."
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