NBC Boycott: Network Skips 9/11 Tribute for Kris Jenner Interview, Viewers Outraged
NBC has received widespread backlash over its decision to skip its annual 9/11 moment of silence and instead air an interview with Kardashian matriarch Kris Jenner.
In the past, the struggling network has often observed a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. to mark the moment that the first plane hit the World Trade Center building on September 11, 2001 in New York City. On Tuesday, however, viewers were stunned to see an interview with Jenner in which the 56-year-old discussed her recent breast implant surgery.
President Barack Obama and the First Lady Michelle Obama led the White House in a moment of silence and Vice President Joe Biden delivered a keynote address at the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
Most major cable networks aired live footage from various memorial services including one in New York City at Ground Zero where the FDNY and Port Authority police gathered. However, NBC opted to air the candid interview with Jenner in which she also discussed the new season on her main E! reality TV show.
Outraged viewers flocked to social networking sites and vowed to boycott NBC for what many perceived to be blatant disrespect towards victims who were killed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
"NBC'S TODAY SKIPS 9/11 MOMENT OF SILENCE FOR KARDASHIAN INTERVIEW. THIS CALL FOR A TOTAL BOYCOTT OF THIS NETWORK SHARE IF YOU AGREE!" Larry Saunders tweeted.
"Disgraceful and Sickening. Even more reason to dislike the Kardashians and BOYCOTT NBC! Skipped 9/11 for Kris Jenner?? Idiots!!" Louise Paul tweeted.
"Today Show trying hard to keep title as most brain dead morning show. Why honor 9/11 when we can interview Kris Jenner?" One follower with the username "jlowder" tweeted.
Jenner, who is often accused of being publicity hungry by her critics, did not appear to see anything wrong with her interview time slot.
"Morning NYC!! On my way to @todayshow cant wait!! Are you there @KathieLGifford ?? Hope i see you there im doing 8oclock hour!" Jenner tweeted before her appearance.
