BLIND GOSSIP

The #1 Blind Item Site in the World!

Debate Millions

millions of dollars[Blind Gossip] While the debate among a couple of high-profile personalities rages in front of the camera, we hear that there is an even uglier battle going on behind the scenes!

What are they fighting about? Tens of millions of dollars!

Here’s the deal: Advertisers paid a certain rate to advertise on a certain TV show based on a variety of factors (network, time slot, audience size, demographics, etc.)

In the case of the Super Bowl, advertisers don’t make their buys contingent on any one athlete playing in the game. However, in the case of our show, the players – and one player in particular – matter a lot. If the star player doesn’t show, the audience size may shrink drastically, not only for the show itself, but for pre- and post-shows as well.

Network executives are refusing to bend to the star’s demands to ensure his attendance. Angry advertisers are threatening to pull out of ad buys if network execs don’t deliver the star and the audience. Everybody is unhappy and yelling at each other. What’s at risk? Almost $20 Million!

Similar: Republican Tears

Network:

Show:

Star:

[Optional] What would you do if you were the network executives?

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. allabouteva says

    Trump’s refusal to participate in the debate points to both his monstrous ego and the shallowness and cowardice at the core of his character. No matter how much he despises Megyn Kelly, his feelings – his ego – should have no effect on his ability to handle the questions and challenges of the debate. A leader must be able to speak to, negotiate with, even compromise with any person, group, institution or nation rationally and objectively. If stamping his little foot and screaming “it’s her…

  2. Mellmac says

    If you are a news organization you don’t bend to the candidate’s demands and you assure advertisers this publicity will lead to a big audience, or just tell advertisers he’s crazy enough to crash the party like Kobayashi.

  3. mermaidh2 says

    I’m no Trump supporter, but I actually agree with him on this. There’s no way Megyn Kelly can be an unbiased moderator after the fiasco and fallout of her last “moderation”. He’s a pig, but a debate moderator’s job is to keep things fair and she repeatedly singled him and attacked him personally during that first debate. She’s horrible at her job and Fox was just trying to bait Donald and boost ratings by having her “moderate” again…and it backfired to the tune of $20 million…

  4. kimbers says

    :p trump with the fox execs.

    He’s such a * and he knows it. His insecurities are obvious no matter how ridiculously hard he tries to hide it. Just do the debate chump bc it’s the best drinking game in forever! He is salesmanship needs work. What a loser!

  6. Jester says

    I could be way off, but I will guess Fox (faux) for the network, the next Republican debate, and (choke) star Donald Trump.

    If my guess is remotely correctly, I would make damn sure that ‘The Donald’ showed up!!!

    I can’t believe that this goon is leading in the GOP…?

  7. RitaSkeeter says

    Network: fox

    Show: the presidential debate

    Star: donald trump

    [Optional] What would you do if you were the network executives? Get him anyhow… because the more he speaks, the more voters will be against him. And he NEEDS to lose!!!

  9. slimfast10 says

    Of course,, The Donald’s pullout heard round the world…
    the most unfair and unbalanced Fox Network
    the Republican Debate
    advertisers want Megyn Kelly out and the Donald in
    I don’t care what they do wouldn’t watch anything on Fox News

  11. emme212 says

    Dear Fox News, please don’t give in. Then he really would be able to get away with anything.

  12. sublimeLime says

    Fox News
    That Debate
    That disgusting sewer mouth Trump
    They’re not hurting for money they’ll be fine.

  15. Pinkieswear says

    Network : FoxNews
    Show : Republican/Google Debate
    Star : Donald Trump

    Don’t bend to Trump’s will!! I think Trump has a HUGE head, and his tantrums and demands only prove that he is out for himself. If Trump can’t handle questions from Megyn Kelly, he should go back to future-ex-wife-hunting and leave the rest of the world alone.

  19. Carolina Girl says

    GOP Debate

    Donald Trump

    Fox Network

    Take Megan Kelly off and replace her with someone better… Hilary or Rosie

  20. kathk567 says

    Trump and the Republican Debate. Big crybaby afraid Megyn Kelly will point out his stupidity.

  22. Littlehorse says

    That ‘player’ who’s supposed to matter so much? You know, TRUMP…Well, forget it.
    The advertisers know their money is still well spent and the audience won’t be tuning in just to see Trump – the arrogant side-show clown of a candidate – but all of them.
    Besides, any of them who are still angry come Friday morning will be offered a sweetheart, ‘gee we’re sorry’ deal by Fox and they’ll be satisfied.

  23. bhakti says

    Faux News ahem, Fox
    Show idk I don’t watch anything on that channel
    “Star” Donald I can say and do whatever I want to Trump

  28. Okayeah says

    Going with Fox News/Debates/Donald Trump.

    I’d stand firm, but that’s why I’ll never make it in Hollywood. Ultimately, though, does anybody really even watch commercials?

  29. felicia says

    Fox Network
    Donald Trump
    GOP Debate

    If I were network execs, I would keep Megyn Kelly on. Trump shouldn’t be able to bully them for such a serious event. It’s not like we’re talking about The Apprentice.. We’re talking about a debate of perhaps a FUTURE PRESIDENT.

  36. Mia444 says

    Trump, of course. EVERYTHING always comes down to money, doesn’t it? Sigh. I guess if I were in the cut-throat world of TV and the only thing that counted was dollar signs, I’d dump Megyn Kelly and kowtow to Trump’s childish demands like the effing wimp I was. So stupid.

  37. Delightful says

    That’s just Trump not participating in Megyn Kelly’s debate. So pointless, why are we still pretending this guy is a suitable candidate to run the USA.

  38. AnguaDelphine says

    Donald Trump and the Fox News debate. This is the story being put out by his campaign.

    • AnguaDelphine says

      Oh, and if this is true, I’m pretty sure Fox will cave. I have absolutely zero faith in their journalistic integrity.

  39. Captain Tragedy says

    Gotta be

    Network: Fox News
    Show: Republican Debate
    Star: Donald Trump

    Optional: I wouldn’t bow to him, but then, I’m more concerned with letting him show his tough talk is all hot air, rather than the profit to be gained from advertising during the event.

  41. KWDragon says

    Trump is being such a whiner about this. Does he really believe that if he becomes president, he can just freeze out any media he doesn’t like?

    If the execs had even a shred of journalistic integrity, they would stand firm and let Trump and the advertisers fall where they may; therefore, I expect them to fold like a cheap suit.

  42. algarve2016 says

    Network: Fox

    Show: Presidential Candidate Debate

    Star: Donald Trump

    Optional: Secretly hire Rosie O’Donnell to join the woman he hates, and Gloria Steinhem, as well. Then watch him be obnoxious and horrible, and hope the people who think he’s wonderful will wake up to the fact that really, he hates women.
    He just uses them when he wants to, but otherwise, blames them for anything which goes wrong. He’s a jerk.

  45. WhoDatGirl says

    Network: Fox News

    Show: Republican Primary Debate

    Star: Donald Trump

    If I were the network executives, I’d stop writing snarky sound bytes just to piss this guy off if his presence on their debate means so much to their bottom line. They can report on him objectively, but they should lay off the character assassination until they get what they want from him. I don’t like the guy, but he can say yes or no if he wants. I think it’s a bad idea from a campaign standpoint though…

  48. totskie says

    The republican debate on Fox. Trump is throwing a tantrum about Megyn Kelley. Why? Because she calls him out on his behavior. I just wish she would show the damn emails and notes he sent her before the first debate she moderated.

    It worries me that so many people want to vote for Trump.

  49. TeacherKat says

    This is Trump refusing to participate in the debate because Meghan Kelly is “unfair.”

    I’m more right leaning on a lot issues (I’m a libertarian) but I do not understand Trumps appeal beyond the fact that he is an outsider. There is no substance behind what he says. I say good on FOX for sticking up for its employees. Trump is a hypocrite that can dish out but can’t take it.

  52. Seahawks12 says

    Network: Fox

    Show: Republican Debate

    Star: The Donald

    [Optional] What would you do if you were the network executives? Suck it up. You can’t win them all!

  54. jonesing says

    This “The Donald” not wanting to be on Fox News because he wants Megan Kelly off the show. He also will not talk to anyone but Rupert Murdoch. I’m no fan of Fox but…they shouldn’t bend to the advertisers or Trump. If they do, who else calls the shots when they go on the show. I’m sure quite a few but this will just highlight it more. I’ve come to think of most politicians as pro-wrestlers. It’s all smoke and mirrors.

  55. SeijnSei says

    Network: ABC

    Show: Oscars

    Star: Chris Rock

    [Optional] What would you do if you were the network executives? Giving him what he wants is the best form of damage control.

  57. nonsequiturchica says

    Network: Fox

    Show: Republican debate

    “Star”: Donald Trump

    Yes those quotation marks are there for a reason.

  58. lunchcoma says

    Fox. The upcoming GOP debate. Donald Trump.

    I’d let him walk, because I think he’ll ultimately give in and show up anyway.

  59. einniw says

    Network: Fox

    Show: the Republican debate

    Star: Trump

    [Optional] What would you do if you were the network executives? I would stand my ground & not give into his demands. They can find other advertisers that respect their decision to let him walk.

  63. HollySleuth says

    Network: Fox

    Show: Debate

    Star: The Donald

    [Optional] What would you do if you were the network executives? Not sure there’s anything they CAN do …

  65. MizGrandma says

    Fox News/debate. 30 years ago I wrote a series of magazine articles on negotiation. One of the techniques, I called the “crazy lady”– exactly the technique Trump always uses. It allows him to lie to your face, bully & generally act so nutso that so appalls nice folks that they let the user of this technique get away with almost everything. My advice back then as writer was to back away from anyone using this toxic technique, primarily because you can’t win. My answer is Crazy Lady Trump.

  67. violetbeauregard says

    Fox
    Jan. 27, 2016 GOP debate
    Donald Trump
    If Trump doesn’t want to participate, then so be it.

  68. JohnCarson says

    Network: Fox
    Show: Republican Debates
    Star: Donald Trump

    What would I do? Fox cannot agree to the demand to replace Megyn Kelly and I would like to say move ahead with the show without the star, but $20mm is a lot to give up without a fight. I would be working hard to find a compromise – maybe add Rosie O’Donnell to ask questions of the candidates?

  71. Jinkies says

    Network: Fox News

    Show: January 28th Republican Debate

    Star: Donald Trump

    I wouldn’t cave in to Trump nor to the advertiser’s demands. Trump doesn’t want to participate in the debate – so be it. Acquiescing to one candidate, regardless of political affiliation, shows favortism to that candidate by giving in to their demands over other candidates, regardless if it affects ratings & advertising revenue, Fox should drop the Youtube “stars” video question part of the…

  73. mamacita3 says

    Fox, Republican debate, Trump
    Get another moderator. They know Trump had issues with Megyn Kelly from the get-go.

  75. kcphilly says

    Fox, Trump and the debate. If he’s not going to show, the execs should reimburse the advertisers for the extra money they spent for that slot, better to do that than have them turn on you completely.

  80. spikelb says

    Fox
    GOP Debate
    Trump . . . obviously.

    Hey if Fox wants to turn the debates into entertainment, then that’s how ratings and advertising dollars work. Hell at this point, just turn the whole GOP primary into a cheesy reality TV show. It’s half way there.

  84. scooby says

    Network: Fox
    Show: Republican presidential debate
    Star: Donald Trump

    If I was the network I’d stand my ground.

  89. Pixley says

    Network: Fox News
    Show: The Republican Debate
    Star: Donald Trump

    Cable news networks gave up the pretense of being about journalistic integrity around the time that they were formed by multinational corporations, so unless they can afford $20 million in makegoods, I’d find a new moderator.

    • ladysussex says

      Ah good point, Pixley! I wonder if there actually is anything like journalistic integrity at all these days.

  90. Rottweiler says

    Network: FOX
    Show: Republican Debate
    Star: Trump

    Trump shows his genius again. He knew that FOX was going to try to bait him with Megan Kelly. He also knew that to withdraw from the debate would hit FOX right in the pocketbook. Good for Donald.

    • mythsayer says

      So when he doesn’t like a world leader, it’s totally okay for him to just refuse to talk? Or to refuse to attend a world summit because he’s in a snit? A president should be able to handle being attacked by people he doesn’t like. The fact that he just says “unfair!” Tells me everything I need to know (as if all the racist comments weren’t enough to do it).

    • 1sunnyone says

      FOX and Megan Kelly aren’t world leaders. This is actually a brilliant move, no one is talking about any other candidate except him right now.

      Everyone seems to have developed a case of amnesia regarding the last Kelly moderated Debate, it was juvenile and laughable and the only reason FOX put her as moderator again is to create drama over it.

    • mar1ey says

      Yes, they are talking about him…they are talking about his ongoing hostile behavior toward Megan Kelly. They are talking about why he would go to such great lengths to get her fired. And that is what he is doing. He has attacked her ever since the first GOP debate and it is bizarre at best.

      Women, we DO NOT want this man in office.

  91. Nataliexyz says

    Fox
    Republican Debate
    Donald Trump v Roger Ailes
    Fox put out an inflammatory press release. I think they’re going to have to apologize and show a gesture of goodwill. Not sure what that would be…whether pulling Megan Kelly, or making a donation to Wounded Warriors to get Trump to agree to show up.

  92. yourPRisajoke says

    Network: Fox News
    Show: the next Republican debate
    Star: Trump

    [Optional] What would you do if you were the network executives? Tell him to go scratch. If he’s threatening to not show up for a scheduled debate less than a week before the first caucus, he’s got no business running for President. What’s he going to do when another world leader rubs him the wrong way before the G8 Summit – stay home and hold his own event at his golf course?

    • mythsayer says

      THANK YOU! I don’t understand how anyone can support him. If Hillary or even sanders said even a tenth of what he says, they’d get skewered. Somehow he says it, or refuses to play nice with the other kids, and it’s totally fine. It boggles my mind.

  93. lily0182 says

    Network: Fox News

    Show: Fox News/Google Republican Debate

    Star: Donald Trump (NOT a star)

    [Optional] What would you do if you were the network executives? I would NEVER work for Fox News, so I can’t answer that question.

  95. bmj524 says

    Network: Fox News
    Show: The GOP Debate
    “Star”: Donald Trump

    I really hope that the network sticks to their guns on this one. I hate pretty much all parties involved, but if you put a gun to my head, I’d side with Fox. Ugh.

    • tellmemore says

      Apologize for what? Asking a presidential candidate an uncomfortable question about his own public behavior? If he can’t handle that, how is he going to handle meetings with less-than-friendly foreign leaders? Trump is pouting like a petulant child because he can’t actually fire the source of his problem, which is all he knows how to do. How can he possibly be president?

    • NativeAtlantaGirl says

      Agree. If Megyn is a “bimbo”, what does that make a woman who poses naked in Playboy and married him for money /citizenship? (It certainly wasn’t for his looks or ability to be an involved father).

  100. Laughing1 says

    Guess that’ll teach good ol’ Fox News! I don’t feel sorry for them in the least!

    Go Donald! Hahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!! 🙂

    • lagally says

      Yup..GO Trump!
      Fox is despicable. Megan, the witch kelly has attacked him for the past 6 months.
      Meanwhile roger Ailes is begging trump to go thru with the debate, calling his wife and daughter and getting or oreill to beg him too
      Meanwhile Fox and Murdoch are attacking trump in the press and fox / Murdoch is begging and cajoling Bloomberg ( mommy state) to run for president. Bloomberg is liberal so fox has betrayed it’s loyal republican viewers and the viewers that support trump…

    • Taunnie says

      Trump doesn’t require defending. He’s fine even if the media ignores him. Don’t understand anyone who comes with a sympathy card for this guy. At the end of the day he’s a billionaire, and the rest of us peons are just tools for him to use to realize his goal.