Sinclair refuses Rappaport; Kerry, Burger King refuse Sinclair
Sinclair Broadcast Group has announced that it will not be airing "Stolen Honor" in its entirety, and instead is going to air a program called "A POW Story" Politics, Pressure and the Media." As such, it has refused an offer from Deborah and Andrew Rappaport to pay expenses plus 1M dollars to air a pro-Kerry documentary in order to provide balance to "Stolen Honor" (10/20/04 RBR Daily Epaper #205). Meanwhile, the Kerry campaign has refused to have anything to do with the program, and Burger King has opted out of advertising the day it airs.
"Sinclair has notified us through our attorney that it will not permit us to purchase air time in prime time," said Deborah Rappaport. "As we have stated, our goal in making the offer was to ensure that fair and balanced coverage would be provided during prime time viewing hours given that Sinclair will be airing its broadcast during prime time. Sinclair's general counsel has stated publicly and, again to our attorney, that it plans on airing a balanced show. While we are very pleased that they have acknowledged the overwhelming desire of the public to see a program that is not one-sided and overtly partisan, it will come as news to no one that we take this promise with a healthy dose of skepticism. Further, by stating that their refusal to sell us prime time is due to a policy against doing so, they have highlighted the real value that an hour long program in prime-time holds. Sinclair cannot now fall back on our offer if it misuses this hour: the offer is withdrawn. But rest assured that those of us who are concerned about fair and balanced coverage will be keeping an eye out. We hope that Sinclair has recognized that the public wants balance and holds true to its promise."
The Kerry campaign exhibited no faith whatsoever that the program would be balanced. "Sinclair's latest spin on this premeditated political attack is just a panicked attempt to appear fair and reasonable. Sinclair Broadcasting's only motivation is political," said Kerry campaign spokesman, Chad Clanton. "They are committed to a one-sided smear. Their actions make it clear that promoting the fortunes of George W. Bush trumps any sense of obligation to the public trust. When their own top political reporter had the courage to speak up, they fired him - - that tells you everything you need to know about them. The Kerry campaign is in no way cooperating with this discredited, partisan effort that Sinclair is poorly disguising as 'news.'"
Finally, Burger King has announced that it will not advertise on any station carrying the program on the day it airs, which according to Sinclair will be today. It says the decision will cause ads to be pulled in nine markets where they had been scheduled to run.
RBR observation:
Burger King? BURGER KING??? By the sound of it, this corporation is obviously a monarchist organization - - they probably don't care about any silly old election no matter who the candidates are.
Are you reading this from a forwarded email?
