Posted on 10/09/2004 12:16:11 AM PDT by BurbankKarl
NEW YORK — The conservative-leaning Sinclair Broadcast Group, whose television outlets reach nearly a quarter of the nation's homes with TV, is ordering its stations to preempt regular programming just days before the Nov. 2 election to air a film that attacks Sen. John F. Kerry's activism against the Vietnam War, network and station executives familiar with the plan said Friday.
Sinclair's programming plan, communicated to executives in recent days and coming in the thick of a close and intense presidential race, is highly unusual even in a political season that has been marked by media controversies.
Sinclair has told its stations — many of them in political swing states such as Ohio and Florida — to air "Stolen Honor: Wounds That Never Heal," sources said. The film, funded by Pennsylvania veterans and produced by a veteran and former Washington Times reporter, features former POWs accusing Kerry — a decorated Navy veteran turned war protester — of worsening their ordeal by prolonging the war. Sinclair will preempt regular prime-time programming from the networks to show the film, which may be classified as news programming, according to TV executives familiar with the plan.
Sinclair stations are spread throughout the country, in major markets that include Baltimore, Pittsburgh and Las Vegas; its only California station is in Sacramento. Fourteen of the 62 stations the company either owns or programs are in the key political swing states of Ohio, Florida, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, where the presidential election is being closely fought.
Station and network sources said they have been told the Sinclair stations — which include affiliates of Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, as well as WB and UPN — will be preempting regular programming for one hour between Oct. 21 and Oct. 24, depending on the city.
(Excerpt) Read more at latimes.com ...
but I bet michael moore getting fraudnhype 911 played everywhere he can is A-OK with them.
I heard Moore was going to air his "documentary" the day before Election Day
Nice post and ping.
The LASlimes does not approve!
Thanks to campaign finance reform, the feds won't approve either.
they can invite Kerry on to rebut the charges from the Vets...
If it comes to one of our stations - I will watch for it - thanks for letting people know -
Cheers -
This is probably the biggest news of the night. Might move more votes than the debate.
Great news, now how will Kerry attempt to stop this?
It will be interesting how it plays out. To be on the front page of the LA Times says they are worried about it.
Awesome!!! I was hoping for History Channel or other cable. Broadcast stations are way more effective.
This is giant news. These people are showing the film in prime time on network stations. This will reach an enormous number of people. The michael moore film is being shown on pay tv so the dems. can't raise a peep about this being unfair.
That is how they get away with it... it is pay tv. Regular broadcast has stricter rules to follow.
bump
Wonder what stunts the DemonicRats will pull to try and stop this?
They're trying:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=1021550
"some info for activists here:
JAM THEIR F**KING PHONE LINES!
Corporate Headquarters
Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.
10706 Beaver Dam Road
Hunt Valley, Maryland 21030
410-568-1500 (Main Telephone)
410-568-1533 (Main Fax) "{...snip...}
&#%!!
Nothing in the NY Metro area.
Webcast???
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