Watergate was a political scandal resulting from the June 17, 1972 break-in of the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate office complex in Washington, D.C. Daytime television was interrupted by the Watergate hearings
held by the Senate Committee (above), in which Dean and other former officials of
the administration delivered testimony, were broadcast from May 17 to August 7, 1973.  
 
After the three major television networks of the time agreed to take turns covering the hearings live each network thus maintained coverage of the hearings every third day, starting with ABC on May 17 and ending with NBC on August 7. An estimated 85% of Americans with TV sets tuned in to at least one portion of the hearings.

From left to right: minority counsel Fred Thompson, ranking member
Howard Baker, and Chair Sam Ervin of the Senate Watergate Committee.

Ex-Nixon aide John Dean giving his testimony during the hearings.

White House Council John Ehrlichman testifying.