TV physician and New Jersey resident Dr. Mehmet Oz’s decision to run for U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania is costing his employer, Sony TV, a pretty penny. Citing equal time regulations, stations have yanked Dr. Oz in key markets like New York and Philadelphia, which translates to significantly less ad revenue for its production company. Sony is bracing for a loss in the $10 million range, according to sources. (Sony declined to comment.)
There’s a lot that’s still unfolding, including whether the show continues in some way or what might replace it. But Oz, who’s running as a Trump-friendly Republican, will personally also lose a chunk of that money. And if he wins (a long shot), the show might just go away forever. Hmm, I can’t decide whether that’s a good enough trade-off.
