Weightier news issues bump congressman from TV shows

YOUNGSTOWN -- Television network news heads apparently don't find the corruption trial of U.S. Rep. James A. Traficant Jr. to be as interesting as other stories lately.
For the second time in two days, national television programs canceled interviews with Traficant for other news segments.
Interviews with the Poland Democratic congressman were promoted on the Web sites of CNN for a Wednesday appearance on the network's "NewsNight," and Fox News for a Thursday appearance on its "On the Record with Greta Van Susteren" program.
Bumped: But Traficant was bumped from both network shows for other news, including the war on terrorism; the trial of Andrea Yates, charged with murdering her five children; a dog mauling case and violence in the Middle East.
Traficant is on trial in federal court in Cleveland on charges including racketeering, bribery and tax evasion.
While on trial, Traficant has made numerous network television appearances, including ABC's "Good Morning America," "CBS Evening News," and Catherine Crier's show on Court TV.