CBS, ABC May Not Air Speech

President Bush will give a televised speech Monday to push for his immigration proposals, including a controversial guest worker program.

But given that this is the middle of the May “sweep” ratings period, two of the big four networks haven’t committed to covering it. The speech, which will start at 5 p.m. PDT, will not affect prime-time shows on the West Coast, but it will in many other markets.

Fox and NBC have agreed to carry the speech.

Presidential addresses are typically considered news events and are therefore exempt from ratings averages. That’s why broadcasters would much prefer sticking with entertainment programming that could help their competitive standings.

A Fox spokesman said that in many markets the network would push its Monday schedule -- “Prison Break” and “24” -- later in the evening to accommodate the president.

NBC’s coverage will be anchored by Brian Williams, and the previously scheduled game show “Deal or No Deal” will air when the address is over.

CBS said it was considering carrying the address but had not committed; ABC said it would decide Monday.