• by Wayne Friedman , Staff Writer, June 7, 2017

What will President Trump be doing while watching former FBI director James Comey testifying before a Senate Intelligence Committee on Thursday?

Media multitasking, of course.  Trump’s tweets will surely be coming -- and no doubt double as big brand awareness from one major social media brand.

This “communication” with his supporters won’t go unnoticed.  That’s because Trump tweets -- according to White House officials -- are now “official statements” from the President.

Many TV networks will be airing the Comey hearing, with more than a few willing to do it ad-free. Though the White House spokesman says Trump has a full schedule of official events to attend to that day, we can be sure Trump will also squeeze in some TV time.

If some TV marketers are smart, perhaps there will be some messaging sent his way -- wherever TV commercial breaks are available. Maybe a mattress marketer will work some TV messaging to offer up a good night’s rest.

This makes sense. He does seem distracted at times -- thus the downside of media multitasking as any millennial knows.

What TV drama will be delivered?

Probably much less than people expect. Comey might be restrained from speaking openly about potential Russian interference in the presidential election, or Trump campaign officials’ connection with that potential Russian interference.

Then again, maybe we shouldn’t take stuff too literally. Some in the Trump Administration have said, in effect, "words don’t matter," in regard to Trump’s tweets. In this regard, he is doing what other TV programmers might do, offer up “counter-programming.” 

Trump says the traditional media is trying to discourage his social media usage, which delivers his “honest and unfiltered message.”

Nah. The media and viewers want to see all this crazy honesty, which in turn, produces high ratings and advertising revenues. Calling out the mayor of London after his city endured another horrendous terrorist attack?  Well, there’s your "unfiltered"!

What about any other factual-based descriptor for those tweets? Hmmm... I go with what the White House spokesman wants to call them: statements, officially speaking.