HBO Will Broadcast Obama's Inaugural Ceremonies on Jan. 18

The HBO Network will televise Barack Obama's inaugural kickoff ceremonies at the Lincoln Memorial on Jan. 18. The event will not only be available to just HBO subscribers but to anyone with cable and satellite services. The TV event of the year doesn't revolve around any fictional drama but around the new resident of the White House. HBO wants to take advantage of the hype surrounding Barack Obama's presidency by televising his inaugural kickoff ceremonies at the Lincoln Memorial on Jan. 18. Obama's Presidential Inaugural Committee said the ceremony will be free and open to the public. HBO will get the exclusive rights to show the star-studded event. Even more intriguing is that the cable company will make the 90-minute event available for free to all of those with cable or satellite services, not just HBO subscribers. HBO said it will show the event commercial-free, but it is unclear whether it will be shown live or have a tape delay. A spokesman for Obama's inaugural committee, Brent Colburn, would not elaborate if or how much HBO paid for the rights. While no entertainment has been announced for the event, some observers have indicated that Barbra Streisand, Bruce Springsteen, Beyonce and Stevie Wonder have been approached about performing some time during the four days of events planned for Obama's inaugural. Obama's inaugural committee has been raising money through contributions to pay for the cost of the expensive inaugural events, including entertainment, balls and other celebrations. The government is supposed to pick up the tab for the cost of the swearing-in and other extras like security. The committee is not taking donations from corporations or lobbyists, as has been done in the past. Obama will take the oath of office on Jan. 20.