The Sinclair Propaganda Machine

Now, a new coalition called Sinclair Action has emerged with a mission to "Protest Sinclair Bias and Misuse of Public Airwaves." AlterNet is a founding member of the group, which includes: Media Matters for America, Outfoxed creator Robert Greenwald, MoveOn.org, MediaChannel.org, Free Press, Working Assets, and the Institute for America's Future.

At 10:30 A.M. (EST) today, three things will happen. First, the coalition will send a letter to Sinclair's CEO, David D. Smith, urging him to adhere to traditional broadcasting standards: "We believe that you are falling short of your own standards – standards that news broadcasters should certainly uphold... The fairest way to remedy this situation is for Sinclair to provide a meaningful opportunity for those with an opposing point of view to respond to editions of the 'The Point.'"

A second letter will be sent to major sponsors of the station making them aware of Sinclair's inability to meet traditional broadcasting standards and asking that they work with the members of Sinclair Action to urge Sinclair to balance its perspective.

Finally, David Brock of Media Matters, Timothy Karr of MediaChannel.org and Robert Greenwald will hold a press conference to announce the launch of a nationwide campaign aimed at drawing attention to the conservative slant in Sinclair Broadcasting's "The Point" because, as Sinclair has said, "We do not believe political statements should be disguised as news content."

We couldn't have said it better ourselves.

An analysis of Sinclair's "The Point" is available at SinclairAction.com, along with video clips of "The Point," a discussion forum for Americans to share their views on the subject, and a mechanism to track and contact advertisers appearing on Sinclair's news broadcasts.

http://www.sinclairaction.com/about_sinclair_action.html

I had E-mailed them that I'd be boycotting them as long as they continued to advertise on Sinclair Broadcating's evening news. Here's Staples E-mail response. Sometimes our efforts do work.

We appreciate your inquiry concerning this issue, Lisa.

As a result of Staples ongoing review of its advertising media buy activity, Staples will no longer
be airing advertising on any Sinclair stations news programs as of Jan 10, 2005.

Thank you for your patience concerning this matter.

Steve
Staples Customer Service Supervisor

e-mail: support@orders.staples.com
phone : 1-800-3STAPLE (1-800-378-2753)
fax : 1-800-333-3199
online: http://www.staples.com/help/default.asp?zone=contact

email ID:6719152

1) A letter will be sent to Sinclair's CEO
2) A second letter will be sent to major sponsors
3) A press conference will be held

Being a long time selective buyer/boycotter, I automatically gravitate to encouraging people to change their buying habits. That's the 4th point I would add. I have already sent letters or e-mails to some of their big sponsors such as Kraft, McDonald's, General Mills, and Circuit City.

I'm a member of MoveOn.Org and am glad they are one of the groups involved. They have a lot of clout.