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Each of the three networks had its own consumer news. CBS was the most serious, with Anthony Mason tracking the impact of the recent rise in mortgage interest rates over the past five weeks. The hike has increased the monthly payment on a median 30-year fixed-rate loan by $76. That extra payment to the bank means lower prices paid to sellers. Economist Mark Landi of Moody's economy.com told Mason that by the time prices bottom out homes will be worth 10% less than at the height of the real estate bull market.
In-house physician Nancy Snyderman offered the preview of the over-the-counter diet pill Alli on Tuesday for NBC. Now it is on sale, Jessica Yellin (subscription required) took A Closer Look for ABC and it is "flying off the shelves" despite what Yellin called "potentially embarrassing and unpleasant side effects." She spelled out how Alli works. It "prevents the body from absorbing 25% of the fat you eat. That fat must be purged from your system"--before lapsing into euphemism--"which can come with extreme intestinal discomfort."
NBC offered marvelous publicity to Skybus, the new discount airline, that sells seats for as little as $10 a trip. Kevin Tibbles told us that extras are added once that ticket is bought online: $10 to head the line when boarding; $5 to check bags; $10 for an in-flight turkey sandwich. Still it sounds like a great deal…if you are interested in Columbus Ohio. Skybus only has that one hub and only flies four planes. It is a great deal for any traveler whose itinerary includes Columbus and the metropolises of Bellingham Wa, Oakland Cal, Burbank Cal, Kansas City Mo, Fort Lauderdale Fla, Greensboro NC, Richmond Va--or, for you political junkies, Portsmouth NH.
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