The American Spectator

When Ted Koppel signed off from ABC’s Nightline after more than a quarter century of high-toned service, no one except a few dutiful liberal TV critics paid note. Even fewer viewers are probably even aware that Koppel’s show has survived him in some form.

A much greater national tragedy is the demise of ABC’s “Monday Night Football” after tonight. It will survive, yes, but on ESPN, thus depriving all owners of portable TV’s of easy access in the future whenever they are beyond reach of cable. Of course, some might say “Monday Night Football” was never the same after Howard Cosell’s departure. (At least those of us who still remember the obnoxious Howard.) Maybe Dennis Miller should have been kept on longer. And remember the brief time when it appeared Rush Limbaugh might join the Monday night announcing team? Unlike over-the-hill John Madden, he would have saved the show.