It was the first network broadcast of this annual event, held in New York City. And though the broadcast ran with ample warnings that it was inappropriate for anyone under 14, and though 90 percent of the show's audience was over 18, one FCC commissioner expressed outrage and even wanted the FCC to investigate whether the network violated indecency rules.
Surprisingly, ABC parent Disney did not direct Lifetime, its so-called Television for Women network, to take up the models' cause with a Don't Hate Them Because They're Beautiful campaign and companion made-for-TV movie, as Lifetime has done with so many other important women's issues.
According to sources, Victoria's Secret came to CBS seeking a new broadcast home. ABC had had right of first refusal; last fall an ABC exec told The TV Column that if the ratings were good, they hoped to turn it into an annual event.
A CBS spokesman confirmed that the network has agreed to air the second one-hour special, as first reported on TV Guide's Web site.
CBS suits no doubt noticed that the show greatly improved ABC's performance in the Thursday 9 p.m. time period among the younger adults the network allegedly targets, and during the important November sweeps ratings race, when stations set ad rates.