[opendtv] Sinclair's disgrace
- From: Monty Solomon <monty@xxxxxxxxxx>
- To: undisclosed-recipient: ;
- Date: Fri, 15 Oct 2004 03:57:46 -0400
Sinclair's disgrace
The right-wing network's decision to force its affiliates to air
anti-Kerry propaganda is one of the lowest moments in the history of
television news, says the former head of the FCC. And it may unleash
a backlash.
- - - - - - - - - - - -
By Eric Boehlert
Oct. 14, 2004 | "We do not believe political statements should be
disguised as news content."
Policy statement, Sinclair Broadcasting, April 2004.
Kerry campaign officials aren't the only ones outraged over Sinclair
Broadcasting's order to its 62 television stations nationwide to
preempt regular programming days before votes are cast Nov. 2 to air
"Stolen Honor," a highly charged documentary critical of Sen. John
Kerry. The move breaks with a long-standing tradition among
broadcasters of covering presidential campaigns as part of their
obligation to serve the public interest, and to do so with at least a
patina of honesty.
Sinclair's unprecedented move once again raises questions about the
effects of rampant media consolidation, the deregulation that allows
a small number of large conglomerates to own so many outlets, let
alone use them to advance an obvious political agenda. The
controversy over "Stolen Honor" has also thrust little-known Sinclair
before the klieg lights, drawing attention to its news department,
whose public spokesman has no experience whatsoever in journalism.
And it reveals a publicly held corporation, operating on the public
airwaves, run by a hypocritical chief executive, preaching
conservatives values by which he himself has been unable to live.
...
http://salon.com/news/feature/2004/10/14/sinclair/
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