Saturday's shuttle launch will air live on most networks

CBS is the only network that has opted not to interrupt its programming tomorrow afternoon to cover the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery (FOX is in local access at that time). NBC and ABC will both cut in with reporters stationed in Florida and space shuttle experts on hand. NBC is planning to have NBC Sports break away from the U.S. Women's Open Championship to news anchor John Seigenthaler just before the launch, which is scheduled for 3:39 pm ET. CBS says it will have reporters at the event but will wait until the evening news to air its coverage. MSNBC, CNN, and FOX Newschannel will no doubt be going whole hog with their coverage, constantly reminding us of the shuttle tragedy in February 2003 when Columbia broke up as it entered the earth's atmosphere. Sadly, that tragedy is the reason the news networks even care about this launch, which is delivering two tons of supplies to the International Space Station. It took the deaths of seven brave astronauts for the mass media to remember that America even has a space program.