Pressuring ABC/CBS/NBC to drop affiliate status for the Sinclair stations?

[Tummler]

It's hard to follow all the Sinclair threads, so forgive me if this topic's already under discussion.

I'm assuming that most or all of the Sinclair-owned stations are affiliates of a national network: ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, WB, etc.

Loss of the FCC license is one way to cripple these stations. Loss of affiliate status is another. Can we pressure the national networks (excluding Fox, for obvious "barking up the wrong tree" reasons) to drop affiliate status for any local affiliate that shows "Stolen Honor"?

I don't know the details of standard affiliation agreements between the local stations and the networks, but surely there are events which could allow the networks to cut loose the locals per the terms of their contract. Of course, network programming is pre-empted all the time for local things like sports and telethons. But sporting events and telethons aren't gross FEC and/or FCC violations. Sporting events and telethons don't open up ABC/CBS/NBC/etc. to boycotts, protests, and general disrepute.

Thoughts??

[mmonk]

1. possible strategy

[Tummler]

2. Kick

Surely someone here knows something about network affiliation agreements or other relevant bits of media law ...

:kick:

[Tummler]

4. Anyone?

:kick:

[AngryOldDem]

7. I mentioned this in an earlier thread

In my city, there are two Sinclair-owned stations. One is affiliated with ABC, having just lost its NBC affiliation this fall. (This station consistently tanks in local ratings, and I'm guessing that is the reason NBC wanted out.) The other station is a Fox affiliate.

If we set aside the fact that the networks are just as big of corporate whores as anyone else these days, the question becomes: How kindly do these networks take to having an hour of their prime-time schedule pre-empted in local markets? Sinclair is not making this program an option for its affiliates. Can the station (corporate) owner overrule the network? I would think that an owner would have to have a very good reason for not airing network programs that he is obligated to show by the very nature of the affiliation agreement. I would think this would be a special concern to the networks that have Sinclair stations in large markets.

I know I plan to e-mail ABC and let it know that I will no longer be watching its affiliate. It won't make any difference with Fox though, but I don't watch that affiliate anyway.

But yes -- bring the networks into the loop, and make them see that this could be a losing proposition for them, in more ways than just ad revenue.

[WI_DEM]

3. CBS dropped the "Reagan" tv-movie due to pressure

I wonder if it will work for democrats?

[atre]

6. Yes, but that was a network production; not one by an affiliates

I can't think of a single analogous situation in broadcast history.

The election is on a Tuesday, right? This would mean the ABC affiliates will be pre-empting Monday Night Football to show this tripe. That would certainly thrill the locals.

[atre]

5. I would guess this is all determined by contract

If that is the case, there is no way to know the specific details of their agreements unless they make them public.

Regardless, it certainly wouldn't hurt to put some pressure on the networks; it may influence a decision to drop Sinclair affiliates in the future.