On Sinclair: CALL/EMAIL THE FCC

Politicalities ^ | 10/13/2004 | Voice of Reason

[Politicalities]

The DUmmies and the DNC are both orchestrating massive campaigns to attempt to squelch the forthcoming Sinclair broadcast of a one-hour program based on the allegations raised in Stolen Honor. Below are my comments on the issue. The short version: this is a travesty and an affront to the free speech ideal the Democrats claim to hold dear.

Counter by calling and/or emailing the FCC to tell them your opinion. The FCC's phone number is 1-888-225-5322. The menu options to select are first 4, then 0.

When I called, I spoke to a very nice and friendly FCC representative who thanked me for my comments, and urged me to email them to campaignlaw@fcc.gov. She also enthusiastically encouraged me to distribute this email address and suggest that others email their comments as well. Please do.

Defend freedom of speech. None of these jokers complained in the slightest when the major news networks dumped buckets of slime supported by forged documents on the President, and here they are trying to censor a minor broadcaster that owns 16 mostly UHF stations. It's repulsive, and we should not stand for it.

---

ON SINCLAIR

The Sinclair Broadcast Group, owner of 16 television stations, is currently producing a one-hour special to examine the allegations raised by Vietnam POWs against John Kerry in their documentary, Stolen Honor. This documentary, which I have not seen, apparently features the testimony of POWs (including two Medal of Honor winners) who claim that Kerry's actions as a member of the Vietnam Veterans Against the War prolonged and harshened their imprisonment.

Let the wailing and gnashing of teeth begin.

Democratic Underground is having a hissy fit, including mass boycott threats against Sinclair's sponsors. The Democratic National Committee is urging action, promulgating a list of Sinclair-owned station phone numbers and filing complaints with the FCC and FEC, alleging in the first case that Sinclair's actions constitute an abuse of the public airwaves, and in the second case that they represent an in-kind contribution to the Bush campaign. 20 Democratic Senators signed the FCC complaint. The editorialists and interest groups are all weighing in, with universal condemnation.

And Kerry campaign spokesman Chad Clanton issued a not-so-veiled threat when he said, "I think they're going to regret doing this. They better hope we don't win."

Come on.

I ask these people: where were you when CBS, 60 Minutes, and Dan Rather engaged in a blatant smear of the President using badly forged documents and no credible eyewitnesses? Where were you when they repeatedly stood by their story in the face of mounting evidence that the documents were phonier than John Kerry's smooth unlined forehead? Where were they when CBS featured the testimony of Ben Barnes, without noting that he was contradicting his earlier sworn testimony and that he was one of John Kerry's top moneymen? Where were they when it turned out that CBS's "unimpeachable source" was a rabid partisan with an axe to grind?

And how dare they ever, ever, ever mention the First Amendment to the United States Constitution ever again?

Freedom of speech goes every which way. You don't get to squelch news because it might be unflattering to your candidate. You can't, apparently, squelch unflattering news even if it's a barefaced lie, if the consequences suffered by CBS for their participation in a vicious smear are any indication.

I'll bet a thousand dollars that fewer than one quarter of the Senators who signed that bogus complaint have even seen Stolen Honor. And Chad Clanton's open threat to retaliate against Sinclair using the reigns of power, should America be so unfortunate as to elect John Kerry, is criminal or ought to be.

[Always Right]

I think CBS should have to offer Bush a free hour of air time for every hour of 60 Minutes that is aired.

[mathprof]

I just sent an email to the FCC urging them to not censor this program. I urge all of you to do the same!

[Politicalities]

AW CRAP!

Folks, I posted the wrong link. My sincere apologies. The correct link is here. Crap crap crap crap.

The post I actually linked to is pessimistic about Bush's chances in tonight's debate. I doubt many people here will want to read it.

[Attn to Detail]

I did last nite!

[infowars_victory]

I hate Kerry but begging the FCC is pitiful.

[Mach9]

Good advice here. Followed.

[Politicalities]

I hate Kerry but begging the FCC is pitiful.

There's a huge, huge difference between begging and opining. The FCC is going to get inundated with thousands of letters from DUers. They need to hear the contrary viewpoint.

Here's the letter I sent to the FCC. Tell me which part sounds like begging.

---

Dear Federal Communications Commission:

I just got off the phone with a very helpful FCC representative after delivering my opinion regarding the recent brouhaha over Sinclair Broadcast Group's decision to air a program which is unlikely to be flattering to John Kerry, and she suggested that I email them to this address.

I'll state, for full disclosure, that I fully support President Bush's reelection campaign, and therefore my views are not objective, but I believe they are still correct. I think these concerted efforts to squelch the Sinclair broadcast represent a grievous assault on freedom of speech. None of these people were complaining when CBS aired reports unflattering to the President, even though they were based on fraudulent documents and questionable testimony. None of these people complain when news networks, nominally objective, dedicate extraordinary airtime to setbacks in Iraq while scarcely mentioning successes. I'm not happy about either of these broadcasts that do not help my favored candidate, but I would never dream of using the apparatus of the government to silence them.

With one exception. Kerry spokesman Chad Clanton was quoted as saying, "I think [Sinclair's] going to regret doing this. They better hope we don't win." I cannot think of a better example of a chilling effect than a campaign openly threatening retaliation against a broadcaster. This barefaced threat is either criminal or should be. I don't know if it's in the FCC's jurisdiction to investigate such extortionate behavior, but if it is not, could you kindly tell me in whose jurisdiction it is? This should not be allowed to pass.

I blogged about this matter at this address, if you'd care to read my comments in more detail: http://www.politicalities.com/politicalities/2004/10/on_sinclair.html

Thank you for your time. The FCC has a difficult enforcement job, especially this close to an election, and I appreciate the hard work you put in.

Regards,
(name and town)

---

Okay, maybe the final paragraph sounds a little like begging, but it's true. And yes, I can't resist pimping my blog to anyone who will listen.

[Politicalities]

Addendum: if you email the FCC, please do NOT use my letter, or a derivative of it. Come up with your own words.

[TigersEye]

Just e-mailed the FCC and Sinclair. Told them this was a matter of principle that free speech means airing ALL PsOV.

[Woogit]

Sent e-mail! Hope everyone does.

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

Click Here for NY Sun 10/13/04
Mystery Surrounds Kerry's Navy Discharge

http://www.nysun.com/article/3107

Click Here for
the Stolen Honor documentary that Kerry
and the Democrats do not want YOU to see.

http://www.stolenhonor.com/documentary/samples.asp

Send this url to your e-mail lists and media contacts.

Media contacts in all 50 States

http://congress.org/congressorg/dbq/media/

Click Here for
ALL the Swift Boat Vets Ads!

HANOI KERRY
CLICK HERE TO SIGN FORM 180

BUSH DID

WHAT ARE YOU HIDING?
WHAT IS YOUR SECRET?
WHAT DON'T YOU WANT
AMERICA AND THE PRESS TO KNOW?

Hanoi Kerry : Help is on the way!
Hanoi Jane Partners with MoveOn.Org
Click Here


"First I picked Edwards BUT now I pick Hanoi Jane!"

Edwards played football in 1971 when he turned 18
instead of serving in Vietnam.
Hanoi Jane at least was a Viet Cong!
Just like me!

Hanoi Jane and I know how to demoralize US Troops serving today!

We hate US Troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

We hate all US Troops!

We lie about them in 2004 the same as we did in the 60's and 70's!

We vow to insult and undermine Iraq Prime Minister Ayad Allawi

We vow to protect the UN and the Oil for Food Scandal

We vow to keep secret the ties between Saddam Hussein and Al Qaida

We vow to free Saddam Hussein with help from our old friend Ramsey Clark.

John F. Kerry
Timeline of a traitor.
Click Here

Free online version of
Kerry's "The New Soldier"
You can read it online right now.

[dartuser]

Me too ... just sent mine to the FCC

[international american]

I did, and I laid it on the line.

[beezdotcom]

Libs are already making calls to local businesses that advertise on Sinclair RADIO stations, threatening a boycott if the movie is shown. (What, they think the movie is going to be shown on radio?) I think the best calls that people can make are to any Sinclair ADVERTISERS, to encourage them that they may make more friends than they will lose.

My wife (who handles marketing for a local business) got a call today threatening to be boycotted if the telecast goes through. I told her to not to worry about it - but I need help telling that to the 10,000 other advertisers....

[bboop]

I called FCC and talked to an operator ... briefly. When I said 'Stolen Honor' she said, "What's that?" And suggested I use the email address. Your government at work.

[ppaul]

Done. Thank 'em for not censoring this valuable historical documentary.

[Agitate]

Contact the sponsors and show your support for this documentary:

Sinclair Executives:

Mark Hyman - mhyman@sbgnet.com - Vice President for Corporate Relations
David Smith - dsmith@sbgnet.com - CEO
Joe Defeo - jdefeo@sbgnet.com - Corporate News Director

Advertisers

Applebees International, Inc. (913) 967-4000 (913) 967-2718 http://www.applebees.com/ Carol DiRaimo, ca.diraimo@applebees.com

Arby's 1-800-487-2729

Best Buy 1-888-BEST BUY 612-292-4000 612-291-1000

Betty Crocker 1-800-446-1898

Brinker International (972) 980-9917 http://www.brinker.com/

Brinker International investor.relations@brinker.com

Chili's Grill and Bar 515-226-1744 1-800-983-4637 http://www.chilis.com/ http://www.chilis.com/contact/

Circuit City 800-843-2489

Consolidated Credit Counseling Services, Inc. 1-800-320-9929 http://www.consolidatedcredit.org http://www.consolidatedcredit.org/feedback.asp

Discount Tire (888) 774-6560 800-589-6789 http://www.discounttire.com/dtc/brochure/contact/contactUs.jsp

Dodge 1-800-992-1997

Domino's Pizza 734-930-3030 http://www.dominos.com/

Dunkin' Donuts 781-961-4020 http://dunkindonuts.com

Educate, Inc. (Sylvan) (410) 843-8000 fx?410 843-6145 http://www.educate-inc.com

Fazoli's 1-859-268-1668 http://www.fazolis.com/

GMC 1-800-462-8782

Geico Car Insurance: contactmarketing@geico.com

Great Earth Vitamins 1-800-284-8243 http://www.greatearth.com http://www.greatearth.com/contact_us.html

ITT Tech (805) 520-7200 http://www.itt-tech.edu

JC Penny http://www.jcpenny.com

Jim Barkley Toyota 828-667-8888 www.jimbarkleytoyota.com

Johnson & Johnson 732-524-0400

Long John Silvers (502) 874-8200 http://www.ljsilvers.com/ http://www.ljsilvers.com/comments/default.htm

Mile One Automotive 866-645-3663 http://www.mileone.com info@mileone.com

NetZero 1-888-349-0029

Papa John's 1-502-261-7272t http://www.papajohns.com/

Patties Panties (493)555-1293 http://www.pattyspanties.com

Pepsi-Co. boardofdirectors@pepsi.com

Pfizer, Inc. (212) 573-2323 fx: 212 5737851 http://www.pfizer.com mckinnell@pfizer.com

Procter & Gamble 513-983-1100 http://www.pg.com/

Red Bull North America 781-961-4020 http://redbull.com http://www.redbull.com/extras/contact.jsp

Rentway, Inc. 1-800-RENTWAY 814-455-5378 http://www.rentway.com http://www.rentway.com/contactus.asp

SC Johnson Scrubbing Bubbles 1-800-494-4855 262-260-3709 262-260-4402

Select Comfort Corp. 763-551-7000 http://www.selectcomfort.com

Skyland Automotive 828-667-5213 http://www.skylandautomotive.com/ http://www.skylandautomotive.com/

Sonic (405) 225-5000 (816) 842-1500 http://www.sonicdrivein.com/business/newsroom/mediaContacts.jsp sonicpr@sonicdrivein.com

Subway (203) 877-4281 (800) 888-4848 http://www.subway.com/subwayroot/Applications/CustServ/frmCustomerService.aspx

Taco Bell/Yum! Brnads Inc 502 874-2543 1-800-tacobell http://www.yum.com Amy.Sherwood@Yum.Com

Time Domain Inc. 888-826-8378 (Sinclair owns equity stake) http://www.timedomain.com/index2.html

Time Warner Road Runner of Rochester 585-756-1608 http://www.twrochester.com/contact.cfm http://www.twrochester.com/feedback.cfm

Toyota Consumer Relations 800-331-4331 #3 http://www.toyota.com

Tri-Star Health Systems/HCA Mid-America 615-886-5000 615-886-4902 http://www.tristarhealth.com/ cheryl.chubbs@hcahealthcare.com

Whataburger 361-878-0650

ZigZagZone -- send e-mail to smitty@zigzagzone.com

Warner Bros -- send e-mail to faces@thewb.com (many Sinclair affiliates are WB stations)


TV Stations, Contact them and show your support:

WABM, Birmingham, AL
Web: www.wabm68.com

WDBB, Birmingham, AL
651 Beacon Pky W, Ste 105
Birmingham, AL 35209
(205)943-2168
Web: www.wtto21.com

WTTO, Birmingham, AL
Web: www.wtto21.com

WEAR, Mobile, AL
P.O. Box 12278
Pensacola, FL 32581
850-456-3333
850-455-8972 Fax
Web: www.weartv.com

WFGX, Mobile, AL
4990 Mobile Hwy.
Pensacola, FL 32506
(850)438-3533
Web: www.wfgxtv.com

KOVR, Sacramento, CA
2713 KOVR Drive
West Sacramento, CA 95605
(916) 374-1313
Email: programming@kovr13.com
Web: http://www.kovr13.com

WTWC, Tallahassee, FL
Web: www.wtwc40.com

WTXL, Tallahassee, FL
8440 Deerlake Road
Tallahassee, FL 32312
(850)893-4140
Web: www.wtxl.com

WTTA, Tampa, FL
Bay Television, Inc.
7622 Bald Cypress Place
Tampa, FL 33614
(813)886-9882
Web: www.wtta38.com

KGAN, Cedar Rapids, IA
600 Old Marion Road, NE
Cedar Rapids, IA 54202
(319)395-9060
Web: www.kgan.com
Emails: kgan@kgan.com
General Manager: Mike Sullivan mike.sullivan@kgan.com
News Director: Rod Peterson rpeterson@kgan.com
National Sales Manager: Mark Classon mclasson@kgan.com
Local Sales Manager: Jim Stoos jstoos@kgan.com

KDSM, Des Moines, IA
4023 Fleur Drive
Des Moines, IA 50231
(515)287-1717
Web: www.kdsm.com

WYZZ, Peoria, IL
2714 E. Lincoln Street
Bloomington, IL 61704
(309)662-4373
Web: www.wyzz43.com

WICD, Springfield, IL
250 South Country Fair Drive
Champaign, IL 61812
(217)351-8500
Web: www.wicd15.com

WICS, Springfield, IL
2680 East Cook Street
Springfield, IL 62703
(217)753-5620
Web: www.wics.com

WTTK, Indianapolis, IN
WTTA38
7622 Bald Cypress Place
Tampa, FL 33614
Phone: 813-886-9882
Fax: 813-880-8100

WTTV, Indianapolis, IN
Web: www.wb4.com

WDKY, Lexington, KY
836 Euclid Avenue
Lexington, KY 40505
(859)269-5656
Web: www.wdky56.com

KBSI, Paducah, KY
Web: www.kbsi23.com

WDKA, Paducah, KY
806 Enterprise St.
Cape Girardeau, MO 63703
(573)334-1223
Web: www.wdka49.com

WGGB, Springfield, MA
1300 Liberty Street
Springfield, MA 01102-0040
(413)733-4040
Web: www.wggb.com

WBFF, Baltimore, MD
Web: www.foxbaltimore.com

WNUV, Baltimore, MD
Web: www.wbbaltimore.com

WGME, Portland, ME
1335 Washington Ave
Portland, ME 04103
(207)797-1313
Web: www.wgme.com

WSMH, Flint, MI
Online Contact Form: http://www.wsmh66.com/flint_mi

STATION ADDRESS:
Saginaw's Office
310 Johnson St., Suite 185
Saginaw, MI 48607
Phone: (989) 790-8866
Fax: (989) 790-9527
Across from the Saginaw Heritage Theater



Flint Office and Studio
G-3463 W. Pierson Rd.
Flint, MI 48504
Phone: (810) 785-8866
Fax: (810) 785-8963
1 Mile East of I-75 on Pierson Rd. Next to Murray's



KMWB, Minneapolis, MN
1640 Como Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55108
(651)646-2300
Web: www.kmwb23.com

KSMO, Kansas City, MO
10 E. Cambridge Circle Dr.
Kansas City, KS 66103
(913)621-6262
Web: www.wb62.com

KDNL, St. Louis, MO
1215 Cole Street
St. Louis, MO 63106
(314)436-3030
Web: www.abcstlouis.com

WBSC, Asheville, NC
110 Technology Drive
Asheville, NC 28803
(828)684-1340
(864)297-1313 (Greenville, SC office)
Web: www.wb40.com

WLOS, Asheville, NC
Web: www.wlos13.com

WUPN, Greensboro, NC
3500 Myer Lee Dr.
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
(336)722-4545
Web: www.upn48.com

WXLV, Greensboro, NC
Web: www.abc45.com

WLFL, Raleigh-Durham, NC
3012 Highwoods Blvd, Ste 101
Raleigh, NC 27604
(919)872-9535
(919)872-2854
Web: www.wb22tv.com

WRDC, Raleigh-Durham, NC
3012 Highwoods Blvd, Ste 101
Raleigh, NC 27604
(919)872-9535
(919)872-2854
Web: www.upn28tv.com

KFBT, Las Vegas, NV
3830 S. Jones Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89103
(702)382-2121
Web: www.kfbt33.com

KVWB, Las Vegas, NV
Web: www.wblasvegas.com

WNYO, Buffalo, NY
951 Whitehaven Rd.
Grand Island, NY 14072
(716)773-7531
(716)875-4949
Web: www.wb49.net

WUTV, Buffalo, NY
Web: www.wutv.com

WUHF, Rochester, NY
360 East Avenue
Rochester, NY 14604
(585)232-3700
Web: www.foxrochester.com

WNYS, Syracuse, NY
1000 James Street
Syracuse, NY 13203
(315) 472-6800
Web: www.wb43.com

WSYT, Syracuse, NY
Web: www.wsyt68.com

WSTR, Cincinnati, OH
5177 Fishwick Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45216
(513)641-4400
Web: www.wb64.net

WSYX, Columbus, OH
Web: www.wsyx6.com

WTTE, Columbus, OH
1261 Dublin Road
Columbus, OH 43215
(614)481-6621
Web: www.wtte28.com

WKEF, Dayton, OH
Web: www.nbc22.com

WRGT, Dayton, OH
1731 Soldiers Home Road
Dayton, OH 45418
(937)263-2662
(937)263-4500
Web: www.fox45.com

KOCB, Oklahoma City, OK
Web: www.kocb.com

KOKH, Oklahoma City, OK
1501 NE 85th St.
Oklahoma Cith, OK 73131
(405)478-3434
(405)843-2525
Web: www.kokh.com

WCWB, Pittsburgh, PA
750 Ivory Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15214
(412)931-5300
Web: www.wcwb22.com

WPGH, Pittsburgh, PA
Web: www.wpgh53.com

WMMP, Charleston, SC
Web: www.wmmp36.com

WTAT, Charleston, SC
4301 Arco Lane
Charleston, SC 29418
(843)744-2424
Web: www.wtat24.com

WNAB, Nashville, TN
631 Mainstream Drive
Nashville, TN 37228
(615)259-5617
Web: www.wnab.com

WUXP, Nashville, TN
Web: www.upn30.com

WZTV, Nashville, TN
Web: www.fox17.com

WEMT, Tri-Cities, TN
3206 Hanover Rd., PO Box 3489
Johnson City, TN 37602
(423)283-3900
Web: www.wemt39.com

KABB, San Antonio, TX
Web: www.kabb.com

KRRT, San Antonio, TX
4335 NW Loop 410
San Antonio, TX 78229
(210)366-1129
Web: www.krrt.com

WTVZ, Norfolk, VA
900 Granby Street
Norfolk, VA 23501
(757)622-3333
Web: www.wtvz33.com

WRLH, Richmond, VA
1925 Westmoreland St.
Richmond, VA 23230
(804)359-3510
Web: www.fox35.com

WMSN, Madison, WI
7847 Big Sky Dr.
Madison, WI 53719
(608)833-0047
Web: www.fox47.com

WCGV, Milwaukee, WI
Web: www.upn24.net

WVTV, Milwaukee, WI
4041 N. 35th Street
Milwaukee, WI 53216
(414)442-7050
Web: www.wb18.net

WCHS, Charleston, WV
PO Box 11138
Charleston, WV 25339-1138
Switchboard: 304-346-5358
General FAX: 304-346-4765
Web: Web: www.wchstv.com
EMail Addresses: sales@wchs.com news@wchs.com programming@wchs.com production@wchs.com promotion@wchs.com

WVAH, Charleston, WV
1301 Piedmont Road
Charleston, WV 25301
(304)346-5358
(304)757-0011
Web: www.wvah.com



programming@wabm68.com
programming@kovr13.com
eschwarz@wtwc40.com
kgan@kgan.com
amuster@kbsi23.com
programming@wsyt68.com
programming@wmmp36.com
webmaster@upn30.com
webmaster@fox17.com
kabbtv@kabb.com
sales@wchs.com
news@wchs.com
programming@wchs.com
production@wchs.com
promotion@wchs.com
dhoward@wtxl.com
mroberts@wtxl.com
mplummer@wtxl.com
news@kdsm17.com
kevinh@wmbd.com
nancyl@wmbd.com
news@wmbd.com
news@wicd15.com
comments@wicd15.com
programming@wicd15.com
news@wics.com
comments@wics.com
promotions@wics.com
news@wdky56.com
programming@wdky56.com
jchronis@kbsi23.com
programming@wtvz33.com
assignmentdesk@wggb.com
programming@wb62.com
webmaster@wb62.com
webmaster@wb43.com
programming@wb43.com
comments@wtvz33.com

Other Contacts to Spread the Word:

The Federalist: letters@federalist.com

Laura Ingraham: suggestions@lauraingraham.com

Jerry Fawell: http://falwell.com/?a=contact

Concerned Women for America: http://www.cwfa.org/feedback.asp?mode=feedback&referrer=http://www.cwfa.org/main.asp

Focus on the Family: http://family.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/family.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=14190

Sean Hannity: http://www.hannity.com/story.php?content=/contact
Michael Medved: http://www.michaelmedved.com/confirm.shtml
www.grassboots.org
www.grassfire.org
www.rightnation.us

Liberal Sites with Links to Sinclair Advertisers

"The Peach"
http://www.boycottsbg.com/
http://boycottsbg.blogspot.com/

Related FR Threads with more info:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1242801/posts?page=1,50
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1242109/posts
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1242960/posts
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1242866/posts
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1243325/posts


Liberal Thread:
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2004/10/12/121355/52

See how busy they are? Let's get busy too!

[NordP]

This is what I wrote:

Thank you for supporting free speech with Sinclair Broadcasting.

Thank you for allowing a private enterprise to endure the consequences that may or may not follow.

[lesser_satan]

Here is an email I'm sending to Michael Copps, the FCC commissioner who made the statement about the broadcast.

Dear Sir:

I was reading a news story regarding the broadcast of "Stolen Honor: Wounds That Never Heal" on Sinclair Broadcast Group.

You were quoted in the news story as saying, "This is an abuse of the public trust. And it is proof positive of media consolidation run amok when one owner can use the public airwaves to blanket the country with its political ideology — whether liberal or conservative".

I agree, but I don't recall whether you made any statements regarding CBS's forged documents scandal. There are none listed on http://www.fcc.gov/commissioners/copps/statements2004.html, so I'm assuming you didn't.

The CBS documents scandal was, for the following reasons, a much more serious violation of the public trust:

1) Until today, I had never heard of Sinclair Broadcast Group, and trust I'm not alone in that regard. I did some research and found that Sinclair's 62 stations reach 24% of US households in 39 markets. In contrast, everybody has heard of CBS. CBS is a national news outlet with the ability to influence the opinions of vastly larger numbers of people than Sinclair. CBS is available in every US market, and owns and/ or is affiliated with over 200 stations in every market in the country.

2) CBS news is an electronic news outlet of record. They are (or were) regarded as a trustworthy source of balanced, objective news, while the "Stolen Honor" documentary to be broadcast on Sinclair affiliates does not fit in the category of "news". It is a program documenting the experiences of POW's who claim to have been adversely affected by John Kerry's activities after the war. It is implicit in this definition that much of what is said therein is opinion.

3) Forging documents is illegal, and knowingly using forged documents as part of a news broadcast is one the most base violations of journalistic ethics I can think of. To make matters worse for CBS, the documents were obtained from a known anti-Bush activist of questionable mental health. On the other hand, the men in the documentary are telling their version of a story, and, once again, it is implicit that their personal opinions would play a part in that telling.

In closing, I think for you, in your official capacity as an FCC commissioner, to make such a statement about this instance of political ideology invading the media while ignoring the numerous instances of anti-Republican bias in the media, is irresponsible and ill-advised. The public trusts you to maintain a balance between free speech and decency on the public airwaves, and letting your own personal biases enter into your work is a greater violation of the public trust than anything Sinclair Broadcast Group has engaged in.

I realize this is a lengthy email and I thank you for reading it in its entirety.

Best Regards,