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More criticism of Sinclair blackout

The decision of Sinclair Broadcast Group to preempt Friday's edition of Nightline on its ABC affiliates drew rapid fire on Capitol Hill. Here are comments from a Democrat - -Maurice Hinchey, and an Independent - - Bernie Sanders.

Rep. Maurice Hinchey (D-NY), who took the torch from Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-ND) in the effort to repudiate the FCC's 6/2/03 broadcast ownership ruling, said, "The decision by Sinclair Broadcast Group to keep this program off its stations is being made by a corporation with a political agenda without regard to the wants or needs of its viewers. Indeed, with eight ABC affiliates in markets as diverse as Springfield, Massachusetts, St. Louis, Missouri, and Mobile, Alabama, it is impossible for this Maryland-based company to make a decision based on viewers' opinions and sensibilities."

Hinchey conluded, "This move may be providing a chilling look into the future if we allow media ownership to be consolidated into fewer and fewer hands, as Michael Powell's FCC seems intent on doing. Here we have a case of one corporation making a decision for viewers in eight markets. That's already deeply troubling. Unless we stop the current trend and take steps to ensure independence and diversity in the media, the situation will become much worse. Access to diverse voices is vital to our democracy. Policy makers should take note of this action by Sinclair Broadcast Group and put the brakes on media consolidation before it's too late."

Rep. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) also wasted little time getting comments on the record. "Your company's shameful and cynical statements disrespect both the victims of terrorism and the brave Americans who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the Persian Gulf. It is an outrage to suggest that giving recognition to the fallen in Iraq is an attempt to sabotage their mission. These American heroes deserve to be heralded, not hidden in the closet. The Nightline show in question will allow all Americans to personalize the service and sacrifice of the pride of the nation."

Sanders added, "Your company's censorship sets a dangerous precedent that is contrary to the First Amendment and America's long tradition of access to information. This is an issue that some of my colleagues and I will be addressing with the FCC. Frankly, to censor information you disagree with has very little to do with freedom and what makes this country great. It sounds more like totalitarianism."