BET, cable's most prominent channel that features programs for black viewers, celebrated Senator Barack Obama's presidential victory on Wednesday by dropping its regular schedule and saluting the country's first African-American president-elect. Making no secret of their favored candidate, Mr. Johnson and other commentators virtually held the viewer's hand and assured them that the dream of so many African-Americans had, in fact, come true. On traditional television networks, too, some black journalists shared their emotions on Tuesday night as Mr. Obama's win was projected. A number of commentators appeared misty-eyed as they spoke about the historic nature of the night. In interviews on Wednesday, several correspondents said their personal reflections about the election had no impact on their reporting.
