Posted on 10/09/2004 9:12:34 AM PDT by NormsRevenge
LOS ANGELES - The Sinclair Broadcast Group is ordering its TV stations across the country to air a documentary on the eve of the presidential election that attacks Sen. John Kerry's anti-Vietnam War activism, the Los Angeles Times reported Saturday.
The one-hour program, "Stolen Honor: Wounds That Never Heal," features former prisoners of war accusing Kerry, a decorated veteran who took up the anti-war cause upon returning from Vietnam, of prolonging the war and worsening their plight. The newspaper said the program is to be followed by a panel discussion to which Kerry will be invited, which could satisfy fairness regulations.
It is expected to be broadcast between Oct. 21 and Oct. 24, depending on the city, the Times said, citing sources it didn't identify. The newspaper said Sinclair executives did not return calls seeking comment.
Sinclair either owns or programs content for stations in 62 markets around the country, including Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Las Vegas and Sacramento. Fourteen of the stations are located in such swing states as Ohio, Florida, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.
Kerry campaign officials criticized the plan and said the candidate had not been invited to take part in any discussion.
"It's not the American way for powerful corporations to strong-arm local broadcasters to air lies promoting a political agenda," said Kerry spokesman David Wade.
The Times said Sinclair is ordering its stations to pre-empt local program in favor of the report.
Sinclair gained attention in April when it refused to air a "Nightline" segment on seven ABC stations it owns. The company said the segment, during which anchor Ted Koppel read the names of U.S. soldiers killed in Iraq, was a political statement disguised as news.
"I can't think of a precedent of holding up programming to show a political documentary at a point where it would have the maximum effect on the vote," said Jay Rosen, chairman of New York University's journalism department.
Michael Moore is in negotiations, however, to make his anti-Bush documentary "Fahrenheit 9/11" available as a pay-per-view show the night before the election, and the Sundance Channel plans to air clips on Monday from an anti-Bush "Vote for Change" rock concert.
ouch, that's going to leave a mark
How do you say four more years in French?
your post earlier , Thanks!
Yer right..
that would be the DNC!
'Michael Moore is in negotiations, however, to make his anti-Bush documentary "Fahrenheit 9/11" available as a pay-per-view show the night before the election, and the Sundance Channel plans to air clips on Monday from an anti-Bush "Vote for Change" rock concert.'
"It's not the American way for powerful corporations to strong-arm local broadcasters to air lies promoting a political agenda," said Kerry spokesman David Wade.
Okay Mr. Wade, can you say CBS? How about Dan Rather?
"It's not the American way for powerful corporations to strong-arm local broadcasters to air lies promoting a political agenda," said Kerry spokesman David Wade.
I feel like I have just been sucked into some kind of truth vortex from the logic in this statement.
Moore was/is already trying to get F9/11 to air on pay for view the end of Oct.
That's fine..let them. We can bankroll an effort to air:
http://www.fahrenhype911.com/
Sinclair owns TV stations in key markets in the swing states of Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Florida.
Well this will balance PBS, CBS, NBC and ABC.
"You can't let them do to us what we do to them - it's not fair!" - Official Kerry Kampaign response.
Yes it is. WEAR3 here in Pensacola is one of it's stations. Can't wait to watch. MAy have a block party and invite the neighbors!!!!!
Ohhh, what I would pay to see David Wade eye to eye with just one of these ex POWs telling him he is a liar.
Last night at BlockBuster, I noticed that BlockBuster has bought about 15 copies of Farenheit 9/11 and only one copy of Farenhype 9/11 for rent.
http://www.newscentral.tv/
Mark Hyman, an executive of Sinclair Broadcasting, who does a one minute commentary called "The Point" on their channels after the 10pm news each night, is a grad of the Naval Academy.
He does NOT like Kerry.
I think it is a hoot that the LA Times editors are calling attention to this proposal.
KOVR-13 in Sacramento, CA, is also a Sinclair station. It won't make any real difference here in the third-world nation known as California, but at least I'll be able to watch it.
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