Most of the time claims of media bias are supported only by circumstantial evidence and a lot of suggestive clipping. This is different: conservative-run Sinclair Media Group is forcing its 62 TV stations to air an agitdoc (propaganda documentary) entitled “Stolen Honor: Wounds That Never Heal” between October 21st and October 24th. For the facts on the story, see the LATimes article from Saturday. In an attempt to satisfy what’s left of the FCC’s fairness requirements, there is a suggestion of a panel discussion-possibly featuring Kerry- after the 1 hour film. This movie was created by a Vietnam vet, former Washington Times editor (read Rupert Murdoch) and Rev. Moon supporter Carlton Sherwood.
The broadcast spectrum belongs to the people, and half of the people don’t want to hear propaganda about their candidate. What would Bush supporters think about Fahrenheit 9/11 being shown less than a week before the elections during prime time? They would be mad just like I’m mad. Democracies cannot function if the people cannot make informed decisions, and propaganda does not aid informed decision making. Either show Fahrenheit and Stolen Honor back to back, or show nothing. Preferably nothing because showing one-sided documentaries to people only misleads and generates more artificial divisions within the electorate.
If this pisses you off, visit StopSinclair.org and sign their petition. About 8000 people have signed so far, and it was just posted this afternoon. There you can find links to more news about the story as it develops.
