TV documentary critical of Kerry won't air locally (but here are more options for Ohio)

cleveland.com ^ | 10/12/04

[knak]

Although 62 television stations owned or managed by the Sinclair Broadcasting Group will air the "Stolen Honor" documentary critical of Sen. John Kerry's anti-war activities, none of them is in Northeast Ohio. Still, those interested in seeing the film have at least two immediate options.

Red, White and Blue Productions, the company responsible for the documentary, maintains a Web site - www.stolenhonor.com - that explains how the film can be viewed online as pay- per-view video or ordered for $19.95 in DVD or VHS formats.

"Streaming video or purchase are the two best ways for people in Cleveland to see it, at present," said Charlie Gerow, the CEO of Quantum Communications, the public relations and marketing firm that represents Red, White and Blue Produc tions. "Now, we're aggressively looking for distribution channels in the Cleveland area, whether that's another broadcast group or a cable system's local-access channel."

Gerow said local-access cable channels in 15 states will air the documentary produced by former Washington Times reporter Carlton Sherwood. Quantum Communications, based in Harrisburg, Pa., also is trying to complete a national distribution deal that would put the documentary into movie theaters.

"Stolen Honor: Wounds That Never Heal" examines 1971 anti- war statements made by Kerry during Senate testimony. Vietnam veterans interviewed for the film say they felt betrayed and demoralized by Kerry's statements.

The Democratic National Committee planned to file a complaint with the Federal Election Commission today, contending Sinclair's airing of the film should be considered an illegal in-kind contribution to President Bush's campaign, according to the Associated Press. Also, 18 Democratic senators sent a letter to the Federal Communications Commission asking that it investigate whether Sinclair's plan was an improper use of public airwaves.

Democratic National Committee Chairman Terry McAuliffe said the company was acting as a mouthpiece for the Republican Party.

Mark Hyman, a vice president of corporate relations for Sinclair, called the allegations about the documentary "absolutely absurd," according to the AP.

Sinclair owns or manages these stations in Ohio: ABC affiliate WSYX Channel 6 and Fox affiliate WTTE Channel 28 in Columbus; ABC affiliate WKEF Channel 22 and Fox affiliate WRGT Channel 45 in Dayton; and WB affiliate WSTR Channel 64 in Cincinnati.

Columbus is the nearest TV market where "Stolen Honor" will air commercial-free. It airs in Columbus on Oct. 22 at 8 p.m. on Channel 28 and at 9 p.m. on Channel 6. The signals for these stations aren't strong enough to reach Northeast Ohio, and the nearest cable systems offering them are in the Mansfield, Loudonville and Bellville areas. They are not available on satellite- dish packages in the Cleveland area.

The Kerry campaign has said Sinclair is a company with a strong bias in favor of Bush.

"If you don't have a Sinclair station in your market, it's a little difficult to see the film and decide for yourself," Gerow said. "So we're trying to do everything we can to work with people wanting to show it."

[bach]

I had to watch PBS Frontline tonight because my Direct TV did not work. The show's title was The Choice 2004. It was totally biased towards Kerry. Kerry the war hero with a noble cause vs. Bush the spoiled partying brat who got into the National Guard to avoid serving by pulling strings.
We all need to send e-mails to our representatives and senators to demand that they remove all funding to PBS. PBS is using public tax payers money to support Kerry!!!

[malia]

"The Kerry campaign has said Sinclair is a company with a strong bias in favor of Bush. "

They just want to show the other side of the story. . We have the right to know.

Just listen to Mark Hyman of Sinclair. WOW a very powerful speaker.

All the stations including Greta and O'Reilly, have said Kerry won both debates and if he wins this one the election is over. Kerry did not win both. In substance President Bush did great in both - the second he won hands down.

The more everyone says Kerry wins the debates - then when he loses the elections this just opens up the claim of VOTER FRAUD. I think we are being set up!!!

Everyone need to hear the other side of the Vietnam war. O'Reilly shut up!!!

[Ruth C]

I find more interesting the comment by the democrat party representative on DaySide that Sinclair Group better watch out when Kerry wins. This is the Dems idea of 'free speech', if you do anything against us, you better watch out 'cause we will take your license or pass enough regulations you have to sell off most of your company.

[phxaz]

.

!! DONT COOL IT WITH THE BOOM BOOMS !!

dont turn blue

.

[malia]

I think he was more than a democrat party representative! I heard him tell Linda Vester. The look on his face was down right ugly. They are ugly people!!!!