GLAAD Concerned Over Pat Robertson's Purchase of United Press Internationalhttp://www.glaad.org/media/archive_detail.php?id=294&PHPSESSID=fc443a97c5ae2371a95a92e246b13d6f
HOLLYWOOD, CA -- In response to confirmation that televangelist Pat Robertson had successfully purchased the financially strapped press wire United Press International, the Los Angeles Chapter of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation expressed serious concern over the potential negative ramifications.
"UPI has a long history, and a reputation, that gives its name a lot of credibility," commented Chris Fowler, executive director. "The possibility that UPI's name could lend credibility to Robertson's extreme and fundamentalist viewpoints is a terrifying prospect. He's dodged questions about ways in which he might affect the editorial policies of UPI. That should be a warning sign to anyone who considers Robertson's message exclusionary and hateful. It is particularly frightening to minorities who have historically lacked access to the media, and whose existences don't conform to Robertson's so-called 'family values'."
"We know what this man's views are on rights for gays and lesbians, and on abortion," continued Fowler. "Robertson inappropriately attacked these issues to champion 'family values' in his 1988 presidential campaign. With UPI as his new platform, Robertson could spread his prejudiced message even further in a world that already suffers from far too much intolerance, and not enough acceptance."
There is also concern over Robertson's expressed interest in the Latin American and radio operations. "Robertson's views could have a powerful impact in parts of Latin America," concluded Fowler. "The news is supposed to be unbiased. Yet Robertson has built a reputation on being blatantly biased. If he's preaching his message in any way editorially -- no matter how subtly -- then he's having a negative affect on the people UPI serves."
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