White House Explains Timing of Presidential Address

The White House is responding to questions surrounding the timing of President Obama's address to the nation Monday night, saying it routinely negotiates for air time with the networks as a whole and didn't give preferential treatment to ABC and "Dancing with the Stars."

A spokesman told FOX News the administration talks with the group "in circumstances like these to find a time that's respectful of both the networks and their audience - while ensuring that the President has the platform he needs to deliver an important message to the American people."

The New York Times was the first to point out the benefits of an earlier start time for the networks.

The address finished up Monday night just before 8p ET in time for the live broadcast of "Dancing with the Stars." Other networks - like NBC - aired new taped programming. FOX chose a "House" rerun.