CBS Apologizes to George W. Bush

Aug. 10, 2000 -- David Letterman may have to wait even longer to get Republican presidential candidate George Bush on the The Late Show, thanks to a blunder that aired during his fellow CBS network program the The Late, Late Show.

The message “Snipers Wanted” accidentally flashed across the screen over footage of Bush accepting the Republican presidential nomination during Friday night’s broadcast of the late night show hosted by Craig Kilborn. CBS issued a formal apology Wednesday stating, “this graphic, which was not accompanied by any remarks from Mr. Kilborn, should not have been included in the telecast and is not consistent with our broadcast standards.” The network and program producerWorldwide Pants Inc. added they, “deeply regret this incident.” The companysaid it would take appropriate action.

Apology AcceptedA Bush spokesman said the candidate accepted the apology.

“It’s unfortunate something like that has happened,” Bushcampaign spokesman Dan Bartlett said from Austin, Texas. “Weaccept their apology and look forward to seeing the results oftheir investigation.” Worldwide Pants, David Letterman’s production company, alsoproduces The Late Show with David Letterman, which airs immediatelybefore Kilborn’s daily show. Letterman ran his own political campaign of sorts last week, trying to persuade the Republican candidate to debate Democrat Al Gore on his TV show.

The phrase concerning Bush appeared on the screen during asegment of the show called “In the News,” which features photos,video clips and Kilborn’s commentary on current events.

Kilborn took over in March 1999 as host of The Late LateShow, which debuted in 1995 as a talk show with host Tom Snyder.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.