Reply #17: Ha ha ha. Here's a NY Times article from 2004: Risks Seen for TV Chain Showing Film About Kerry [View All]

[Judi Lynn]

Risks Seen for TV Chain Showing Film About Kerry
By BILL CARTER

Published: October 18, 2004

enator John Kerry could find his presidential hopes damaged this week when the 62 television stations owned or managed by the Sinclair Broadcasting Group carry a documentary about his antiwar activities 30 years ago.

But the Democratic nominee for the White House may not be the only one adversely affected.

Sinclair - the nation's largest owner of television stations, many of them in electoral swing states - is itself running a significant financial and political risk by telling its stations to pre-empt regular programming and carry the film. Already, Sinclair's decision has alienated some advertisers; enraged consumer and media watchdog groups, who are vowing to challenge its station licenses when they come up for renewal; and given pause to some analysts and investors considering the company's financial outlook.

Representatives of Sinclair did not return repeated phone calls seeking comment. But the company, whose executives have been among the largest media contributors to President Bush, has said the documentary deserves to be seen because it is news, and as such does not fall under federally mandated equal-time provisions for political candidates.



Marty Katz for The New York Times; Red, White & Blue Productions
David D. Smith, top, chief executive of Sinclair Broadcasting. Sinclair is showing a film on John Kerry, above, and his 1970's antiwar activities.
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/10/18/business/media/18sinclair.html?hp&ex=1098158400&en=082e1118f3624803&ei=5094&partner=homepage