Common Cause Blog :: What to do about Sinclair

What to do about Sinclair

By Lauren Coletta
Posted on Thu Oct 14, 2004 at 10:48:45 AM EST

Hello Everyone,

I am Lauren Coletta, director of campaigns for Common Cause. My job is to help plan and implement our various campaigns. I am always interested in learning what issues are important to our members and what creative ideas they have to help us achieve our common goals. When Sinclair Broadcasting Group (SBG) announced over the weekend that they intended to require their 62 locally owned stations to pre-empt their regularly scheduled programming and air a blatantly partisan documentary I knew we would have a serious breech of journalistic integrity to contend with this week.

Because broadcasters enjoy free use of the public airwaves they are expected to provide the public with the news, public affairs programming, and election coverage that Americans need to participate effectively in our democratic process. Our right to fair and neutral coverage is increasingly under threat due to the impact of increased concentration of media ownership, an increasing trend of broadcasters to blur honest news coverage with commentary, and brazenly partisan media companies like (SBG). Sinclair's decision to require their affiliates to air the biased documentary "Stolen Honor: Wounds that Never Heal," without commercial interruption, and days before the election, is a clear example of what is wrong with our media today.

The broadcast will reach approximately 28% of television households, including viewers in media markets in swing states such as Ohio, Florida, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. How do we hold rogue broadcasters like (SBG) accountable? One way is to contact (SBG) executives and local station managers and tell them what we think. We can also urge the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Congress to take responsibility for reigning broadcasters in when they cross basic common sense lines of judgment. (SGB) has demonstrated repeatedly that they have a political agenda.

It seems apparent they will not hesitate to abuse their FCC granted license to use the publicly owned airwaves to achieve their partisan goals.

So I ask you, what do you think of the decision (SBG) has taken and what else do you think the Common Cause community ought to be doing about it?

Tags: Media and Democracy (all tags)

What to do about Sinclair :: 18 Comments

Sinclair Advertiser Boycott

The public owns the airwaves that it licenses to broadcasters like Sinclair. Sinclair is certainly treading on thin legal ice in using that public license as their private megaphone, to the exclusion of other public voices.

However legal or regulatory action is unlikely, or at the very least untimely. I feel the most effective tactic would be to call for a boycott of advertisers on Sinclair stations. All you have to do is publicize it, and provide of list of their largest advertisers. I'll gladly boycott their products.

The country seems evenly split, and no advertiser would risk alienating 50% of their market.

Money, or the chance of losing it, usually speaks the loudest to the Republican right wing.

by MaverickRK on Thu Oct 14, 2004 at 01:06:59 PM EST

Re: Sinclair Advertiser Boycott

I agree with MaverickRK's comments, and bemoan the loss of the now long-dead fairness doctrine. However, since Sinclair will probably go through with their broadcast, I'd like to see the Kerry camp come back with a "special" of their own. Fight fire with fire.

How about some "news" on the President and his family's ties with the Bin-Laden family? How about some more about the President's questionable service record in the TNG, as well as his support of the Vietnam war despite his refusal to serve? There is significant documentation on these subjects, and plenty of witnesses still around.
Another possibility might be to work with Michael Moore to put Fahrenheit 9/11 on the air as well. Sunday before the election would be a great time.

Surely there are other broadcasting channels willing to air such opposing viewpoints and partisan politics from the other side, and since Sinclair is willing to break the rules, they, as well as the Bush camp they support, should suffer he consequences.

oakndog

by oakndog on Thu Oct 14, 2004 at 01:23:45 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Sinclair Advertiser Boycott

Referring to the entry by MaverickRK, I fear that he has missed the significance of this action by the right. Even if we were able to eventually bankrupt all of Sinclair's advertisers, I doubt that this could happen before November 2, which is exactly the point of the scheduling of this "documentary". (Incidentally, this whole tactic stinks to high heaven of Karl Rove; he has done things like this in the past, and I would give 5 to 1 odds that he is behind this.) What is needed is not to get mad, but to get even with something more immediate, like convincing Michael Moore to donate the use of his Movie "Fahrenheit 911" to be broadcast by competing stations in those markets covered by Sinclair. This would have the effect of syphoning off a large percentage of the undecided voters at whom the Sinclair piece of tripe is aimed, since who would watch it if they had a chance to watch an award winner like the Moore piece? I have already made this suggestion to the DNC site; if I had Mr. Moore's e-mail, I would send him the same message.

by rexrober on Thu Oct 14, 2004 at 01:34:36 PM EST

Sinclair Advertiser Boycott

The goal of a boycott is not a long-term "bankrupt the advertiser" plan but rather a preventative measure to show sponsors that there is large public resistence to the efforts of Sinclair. If advertisers fear retribution, they may not risk profits. It need not be our only strategy but it should be in our arsenal.

Bishop Tutu credits economic boycotts for the end of apartheid and Chavez credited the grape boycott for the success of the UFW. We may lose the battle to prevent the Sinclair plot but we can send a powerful message that undue corporate influence in American politics can extract a heavy price.

Sign me up to boycott any products which are aired during the broadcast. And then let's pubicize the hell out of the boycott and use the public stage to draw attention to the corruption of Sinclair.

by 2L8smrt on Thu Oct 14, 2004 at 01:55:45 PM EST

Sinclair Advertiser Boycott

I agree w/the previous comment. Many of the advertisers are probably Kerry supporters, and even many of those that are Bush supporters will have the integrity to see that SBG is pulling a dirty trick that undermines democracy. The point is not at all to threaten the advertisers, but to encourage them to boycott the local SBG stations.

This boycott already exists and is beginning to have an impact. Common Cause should definitely be publicizing and supporting it! You can learn more about the boycott at http://www.boycottsbg.com/. There is a list of Sinclair stations at http://www.democrats.org/sinclair/index.html#states and a database of local advertisers at http://www.boycottsbg.com/advertisers/Default.aspx. It's important to be polite and respectful when contacting these advertisers. Remember--they're not the problem, but they can be a very important part of the solution!

Dan Greenberg

by sarandan on Thu Oct 14, 2004 at 02:55:28 PM EST

Re: Sinclair Advertiser Boycott

Thanks for sharing those links. We are keeping a close eye on the suggestions that are piling up on this thread. We really need to hear more of these kind of feedbacks. Also, if you guys don't mind .. please let us know what kind of reaction you are all getting from the phone calls to your near Sinclair stations. We would be really interested in hearing that part of the give and take as well.

by Murshed Zaheed on Thu Oct 14, 2004 at 03:16:46 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Sinclair

I contacted KOVR 13 in Sacramento. They do not want to air this hit piece on Kerry either. They hope that we flood Sinclair with calls. Call EST 410-568-1500. Email Sinclair at comments@sbgi.net

by zoezoe on Thu Oct 14, 2004 at 03:45:21 PM EST

Sinclair Broadcasting

The best way to impact Sinclair is by phoning their advertisers in your area and saying that while you have supported them you cannot continue to do so because of the political agenda of the broadcasting company they choose to run their advertising on (Sinclair). Be nice to the advertiser but make it clear you will encourage everyone you know not to use their products until Sinclair's management stops promoting a partisan political agenda - their management is a big contributor to the Bush campaign. The following is what we are doing in Central NY:

Sinclair is the Broadcasting company that refused to carry Ted Koppel's tribute to our troops who have been killed in Iraq. Now they are indicating that they will broadcast a supposed "documentary" called "Stolen Honor". Sinclair is presenting the documentary as a "news" show. It was written, produced, and funded by extreme right-wing activists and features Vietnam War veterans opposed to John Kerry.
While Sinclair is a public company, eighty-six percent of its stock is owned by its management and board of directory. It owns 20 Fox, 19 WB, 8 ABC, 4 NBC and 3 CBS stations which reach 24% of US TV viewers - most of them in swing states. In New York State they have stations in Syracuse, Rochester and Buffalo.

The only leverage on Sinclair is through the companies that purchase advertising time on their networks. You can see or add to Sinclair's list of known advertisers at the website - http://www.boycottsbg.com/advertisers/default.aspx.

If you call these advertisers remember: Many of these people are ON OUR SIDE - be pleasant when you call or email them. Invite them to join us in defending our democracy. If you don't know how to express yourself strongly without making threats then it is best not to call. Remember that there are real human beings on the receiving end, often a secretary - so don't take your anger, with a right wing CEO, out on some poor soul who makes $9/ hour answering phones. If you wish to call or write; just ask that they convey, to their managers, the fact that you cannot continue to support their businesses, if they support Sinclair's radical right agenda with their advertising dollars.

In Syracuse Sinclair owns Channels - Fox 68 and WB 43; as of 10/13/04 the following companies are listed as advertisers on Sinclair's Syracuse stations:

Advertisers:

Alexander & Catalano
(800) 529-1333

ITT Technical Institute
1-800-ITT-TECH

Kenny & Kenny Attorneys at Law
(315) 471-0524

Lotsa Pasta Italian Grill
(315) 437-4200

whatscooking@lotsa-pasta.com

Niagara University
(716) 285-1212
(800) 778-3450

Thunder Alley Sports
(315) 592-5505

William Mattar
(800) 317-2424

Cantact at Sinclair in Syracuse:
Sinclair Broadcasting - WSYT & WNYS - Fox 68 & WB 43
1000 James Street
Syracuse, NY 13203
(315)472-6800x306
Donald O'Connor

Central NY

by Nielss on Thu Oct 14, 2004 at 06:33:43 PM EST

Re: Sinclair Broadcasting

Thanks so much for posting these info. This really helps. For other folks who are reading these comments if you live in a Sinclair media market, watch the local evening newscast and write down a list of the advertisers (especially the local ones) who have commercials running during the market. Make a list, as clear and concise as possible, including the name of the affliate and the city, and the name of the adverstisers and the program you watched them on. And, the post that information on this thread. Thanks so much.

by Murshed Zaheed on Thu Oct 14, 2004 at 07:22:49 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Who decides?

It might be helpful for more folks to learn (remember) that the one in charge of deciding whether Sinclair ought to be investigated/ their license revoked is Michael Powell, SON OF COLIN POWELL.

Do you think he is suited for making this decision? Ought he to recuse himself, as he and his family have a vested interest in the continuation of the Bush White House?

by Owlivia on Thu Oct 14, 2004 at 10:53:14 PM EST

Sinclair in Eastern Iowa

Here in Eastern Iowa we have been working on the boycott since the weekend-- we being Rapid Response, Democracy for America, the dems, and interested others. So far we have encouraged two local advertizers to pull their advertising from station KGAN. Here is a list of local advertisers who had spots on the news:

Local Businesses that bought advertising time on KGAN News Saturday, October 09, 2004

Green Valley Cabinets
2451 Coral Court
Suite #5
Coralville, IA 52241
319 545 6360

also
190 22nd Street
Moline Illinois 61265
309 797 0690

Grovert Chevrolet-Gm Certified Used Vehicles
11 2 Avenue
Newhall, Iowa52315
(319) 223-5141

Denver Mattress Co
Address: 1412 Twixt Town Rd, Marion, IA 52302
Phone: (319) 373-5314

Good's Furniture
- 309-852-5656
200-220 Main Street North, Kewanee, IL 61443;

Cedar Rapids Lumber Co
(319) 365-0467
902 2nd St SW
Cedar Rapids IA 52404-2118

FurnitureRow Outlet
3715 Merle Hay Rd.
Des Moines, Iowa 50310
Phone: (515)-276-0415
Phone: (515)-254-1788
*Fax: (515)-276-0859

4620 SE 14th St
Des Moines, Iowa 50320
Phone: (515)-953-4589
Phone: (515)-953-4641
*Fax: (515)-953-4641
I think these folks may be in Waterloo, too but I couldn't find the address online

Hometown Restyling, Inc.

1715 2nd Street
Coralville IA52240

ABC Solutions, LLC
PO Box 539
North Liberty IA 52317

I'm sure they would all enjoy hearing from you. If you write to Good's thank them for pulling their ads.

by Howard Weinberg on Thu Oct 14, 2004 at 11:21:41 PM EST

thank you

Nice blog!

by Anonymous Citizen on Sat Sep 17, 2005 at 09:32:41 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Sinclair Broadcasting

Sinclair Broadcasting's license is up for renewal in January 2005. One of the criteria that must be met is whether or not this broadcaster has served the public interest. It has not. It has served its own interest. Everyone who is as incensed as I am should write to the FCC to let them know that the public interest has not been served and the Sinclair's license should not be renewed in 2005. I have done that and hope you all will do the same.

by cocosgran on Sat Oct 16, 2004 at 07:14:03 PM EST

Hit in their Wallets: Boycott Sinclair Advertisers

Sinclair's plan to air anti-Kerry propaganda on its stations without equal time is the last straw. I have posted a blog at moveon.org suggesting that they (quickly) compile a LIST OF SINCLAIR'S ADVERTISERS with Web links, and send to all moveon Email recipients. I suppose Kerry campaign and DNC (and others with large Email lists) should do this too, so long as it is within legal boundaries. These Emails should suggest that people contact these advertisers and ask them to pull their business from Sinclair is Sinclair goes ahead with its plans. And, let these advertisers know that they will be boycotted if they do not.
Just seeing their names on a hit list circulating to millions of people will scare the @*%$ out of them. Hearing from millions of people will stagger them even more. Sinclair will then hear from their advertiser and will have to take notice.

Start by looking at today's article at http://nytimes.com/2004/10/18/business/media/18sinclair.html?hp&ex=1098072000&en=1bbebca7c5f 805bf&ei=5094&partner=homepage which notes that:

Groups, including Common Cause, the Alliance for Better Campaigns, Media Access Project, Media for Democracy and the Office of Communication of the United Church of Christ, are putting together a database listing all Sinclair advertisers and will try to persuade others to withdraw their commercials. Among those on the list are chains like Applebee's International, Best Buy, Chili's, Circuit City, Domino's Pizza, Lowe's, Papa John's, Subway, Taco Bell and Wal-Mart Stores.

Jay R. Yablon Schenectady, New York

by Yablon on Sun Oct 17, 2004 at 11:20:53 PM EST

Sinclair boycott

It is so democratic to stifle freedom of speech through intimidation and persecution.

by Collette on Mon Oct 18, 2004 at 07:37:24 PM EST

Re: Sinclair boycott

Common Cause certainly values free speech as a corner stone of our democracy. Like all broadcasters who receive their public airwaves licenses for free from the government, Sinclair Broadcast Group promises to serve the public interest, convenience and necessity. At the heart of that promise is the commitment to report the news as fairly as possible, and to air diverse points of view on issues of national and local importance. Airing the anti-Kerry documentary, Stolen Honor: Wounds that Never Heal, or portions of it, and billing it as "news" is not fair, and fails to provide viewers with the even-handed journalism that they require. Sinclair could have chosen to air this clearly partisan documentary has commentary and offered the Kerry campaign equal time. Instead they chose to masquerade it as news, breaking trust with the public and abdicating their responsibility as stewards of the public airwaves.

Lauren Coletta
CC Director of Campaigns

Lauren Coletta

by Lauren Coletta on Mon Oct 18, 2004 at 09:05:41 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Wider Boycott?

I will follow up on the posted links regarding Sinclair advertisers and comment to those which serve a national market. Sinclair does not yet own any stations in the San Francisco Bay area, hence they have no local sponsors I can contact.

Since seeing "Outfoxed" I have wondered whether any of the organizations that are following Fox (Faux) News Network have plans for a broader campaign. The jist of what I envision is a website that contains the following:

Time and date of a blatantly false piece of 'news;'
The name of the 'correspondent;'
A brief explanation of the distortion of fact;
A list of sponsor(s) of the broadcast; and
Contact information for the sponsors

Mr. Murdoch is a very rich man, but he is not wealthy enough to keep FNN running forever without sponsors. It is time that those who are paying him hear from the community at large that it is an unwise thing to do.

by baumgrenze on Tue Oct 19, 2004 at 12:45:31 PM EST

Re: Wider Boycott?

Folks we are going to be posting an update on Sinclair later on our blog today and also send out an email to all of our CausNet activists. To give you a little preview we are going to be asking folks to contact Sinclair advertisers through the site www.boycottsgb.com, which was constructed by online activists. Also, we are going to ask for help to reach out to people who own shares of SBG. I will post the details of our actions right before our email is sent out later this afternoon. Keep the information coming!

by Murshed Zaheed on Tue Oct 19, 2004 at 12:58:49 PM EST
[ Parent ]

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What to do about Sinclair

By Lauren ColettaPosted on Thu Oct 14, 2004 at 10:48:45 AM EST

By Lauren Coletta
Posted on Thu Oct 14, 2004 at 10:48:45 AM EST