Daily Kos

Sinclair Advertiser DB up; Viacom

by kos

Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 01:38:31 PM PDT

The database is up. Now we need people to input the advertisers. Get to work!

(This isn't my effort, so don't try to give me credit.)

Update: Ha ha, perhaps you might want the link?

Update II: The people behind Run Against Bush have a petition up at StopSinclair.org.

Update III: Viacom is in on the game as well. They have refused to air this ad by a youth GOTV outfit -- Compare | Decide | Vote. They also refuse to air the organization's two other ads (here and here.)

This outfit is targetting the same-day registration states -- Minnesota, Wisconsin, Maine, and New Hampshire, but Viacome won't air their ads. And Viacom controls just about every youth-oriented cable station (Comedy Central, MTV, VH-1, BET).

Update IV: Back to Sinclair, Steve Soto thinks we should go after Sinclair's licenses. An excellent ideda.

People wonder what's going to happen to the blogs after November. Trust me, people. The war will go on, regardless of how the Nov. 2 shakes out. We've got a whole country to take back.

  • ::

Tags: (all tags) :: Previous Tag Versions

Permalink | 183 comments

  •  ou est il? (none / 1)

    Blue Jersey: All the news that slips from print.

    by jmelli on Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 05:41:45 PM PDT

    •  funny... (none / 0)

      ...my response was going to be, "donde?"

      I'm not part of a redneck agenda - Green Day
      Neither is California High Speed Rail

      by eugene on Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 05:42:24 PM PDT

      [ Parent ]

    •  Sinclair Watch (3.66 / 3)

      Sinclair Watch, a project of Robert McChesney's Free Press, released a report today, Sinclair and the Public Airwaves: A History of Abuse, and makes it easy to file an FCC complaint.

      McChesney's books including Rich Media, Poor Democracy are must reading and he does a weekly radio show, Media Matters which puts can be streamed online or downloaded as MP3s.

      Tigerbeat | photos

      by ari on Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 05:56:50 PM PDT

      [ Parent ]

      •  Kossites from FL, NC, or SC... (none / 0)

        The FCC "Informal Objections" filing deadline for Florida, North Carolina, and South Caroline is November 1st!.

        Please take advantage of Sinclair Watch's website and the documentation they have available (step #4).

        be good, c

        by c on Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 06:09:27 PM PDT

        [ Parent ]

        •  Slight error (none / 0)

          According to the website, Florida objections can be submitted until January 2005.  One of the things I was not clear about, though: can people in other states but within the viewing area (I live in southern Georgia in the viewing areas of both Tallahassee stations) submit objections as well?

          Antebellum plantations: the last time we had an "ownership society" and a "service economy."

          by Taxorgian on Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 10:04:23 PM PDT

          [ Parent ]

          •  Anyone can submit... (none / 0)

            ...at least by my reading of the FCC documents.  However, it would see to me that actual viewer's complaints would seem much more credible.

            By all means submit your objections for both the TLH stations.  I plan on submitting for both TLH and the Tampa station.

            be good, c

            by c on Tue Oct 12, 2004 at 12:24:09 PM PDT

            [ Parent ]

      •  Shorter Sinclair Watch (none / 0)

        Send a letter detailing your complaint against your local Sinclair station to the following address:

        Office of the Secretary
        Federal Communications Commission
        Attn: Video Div., License Renewal Processing Team
        Room 2-A665
        445 12th St. SW
        Washington, DC 20554

        In addition to your complaint against Sinclair's decision to air "Stolen Honor," you may wish to include complaints similar to those documented here, in the Free Press report on Sinclair Broadcasting.

        You should send a copy of your complaint to your local Sinclair station.

        If you watch stations based in North or South Carolina, it is very important that you do this as soon as possible.  In these states, the deadline for complaints in November 1st.  Please, if these stations broadcast in your area, call, write, and visit them; state your opposition to Sinclair's actions; tell your friends, and ask them to do the same:

        WMMP & WTAT
        4301 Arco Lane
        Charleston, SC 29418
        (843)744-2424

        WLOS & WBSC
        110 Technology Drive
        Asheville, NC 28803
        (828)684-1340
        (864)297-1313 (Greenville, SC office)

        WXLV & WUPN  
        3500 Myer Lee Dr.
        Winston-Salem, NC 27101
        (336)722-4545

        WLFL & WRDC
        3012 Highwoods Blvd, Ste 101
        Raleigh, NC 27604
        (919)872-9535
        (919)872-2854

        Support Regina Thomas, GA-12

        by Drew on Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 07:08:26 PM PDT

        [ Parent ]

      •  Sinclair and General Mills (none / 0)

        Please telephone General Mills, the wait time is not long and it is well worth it. The guy I spoke to indicated that they were getting tons of calls on this matter.
        Let them know you protest their willingness to back Sinclair Media in their attempt to trash John Kerry. Hell, I ever threatened my local super market with a boycott.
        CALL THEM!
        1-800-248-7310 (7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. CST, weekdays)

        by djjimz on Wed Oct 20, 2004 at 12:53:21 PM PDT

        [ Parent ]

    •  If it makes it easier (none / 0)

      I composed the following memo to send to the advertisers. It is not much, but I wanted to help somehow.
      ------------------------------------------------------I I understand you are one of the Sinclair Radio advertisers. Did you know that   Sinclair Broadcast Group,  is ordering its stations to preempt regular programming just days before the Nov. 2 election to air a film that attacks Sen. John F. Kerry's activism against the Vietnam War, network and station executives familiar with the plan said Friday.

      Sinclair has told its stations to air "Stolen Honor: Wounds That Never Heal," sources said. The film, funded by Pennsylvania veterans and produced by a veteran and former Washington Times reporter, features former POWs accusing Kerry -- a decorated Navy veteran turned war protester -- of worsening their ordeal by prolonging the war. Sinclair will preempt regular prime-time programming from the networks to show the film, which may be classified as news programming, according to TV executives familiar with the plan.

      The Democratic National Committee on Monday said it would file a complaint against Sinclair with the Federal Election Commission. The DNC complaint will accuse Sinclair of making an "illegal in-kind contribution" to President Bush's re-election campaign, according to a DNC news release.

      Sinclair generated headlines last April when it ordered seven of its ABC-affiliated stations not to show a "Nightline" segment that included the reading of the names of U.S. soldiers killed in Iraq. At the time of the controversy, a Sinclair executive called that broadcast "contrary to the public interest."

      I bring this to your attention, because your company is listed as one of their advertisers. . I am sure you do not want to be a party to something that is such a flagrant attack against our democratic principles. Your participation in this effort may reflect negatively on your company's products and services as the list of advertisers is being transmitted throughout the internet.

      by TommyG on Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 07:15:32 PM PDT

      [ Parent ]

      •  A couple comments (none / 0)

        1. You mention radio, Sinclair is television
        2. Make it personal. Are YOU going to buy thier products? Will you recommend them to your friends, or will you do the opposite.

        Americans are apt to be unduly interested in discovering what average opinion believes average opinion to be. (J.M. Keynes)

        by davinic on Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 08:13:27 PM PDT

        [ Parent ]

      •  But wait (none / 0)

        From what I read the document will be going on ad-free without interruption.   I would hope that the attorneys over at the DNC will ask for some kind of restraining order barring it's showing, once the genie is out of the bottle on this, the genie is out of the bottle, you can't put it back, no matter how many apparent lies and deceptions it takes time to put out these political fires that these things start.   It's not fair for it to be shown, it violates the law and a restraining order should work very well here if possible.

        by Monkeibusiness on Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 08:22:53 PM PDT

        [ Parent ]

      •  Great letter (none / 0)

        Thanks,
        It's better then mine and I'm gonna use it.

        by djjimz on Wed Oct 20, 2004 at 12:55:44 PM PDT

        [ Parent ]

  •  Link (none / 0)

    http://www.boycottsbg.com/advertisers/

    Americans are apt to be unduly interested in discovering what average opinion believes average opinion to be. (J.M. Keynes)

    by davinic on Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 05:42:01 PM PDT

  •  wait, whaaaa? (none / 0)

    Someone tell me what's going on that we need to boycott and email these people. I am confused!

    Pattern is his who can see beyond shape: Life is his who can tell beyond words.

    by cnflght on Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 05:44:12 PM PDT

  •  What the fuck is Dick Cheney doing (none / 0)

    in New Jersey?

    "But Democrats mustn't give up the fight. What's at stake isn't just the fate of their party, but the fate of America as we know it."-Paul Krugman

    by theprogressivemiddle on Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 05:47:06 PM PDT

  •  I put a link to TPM in my diary (none / 0)

    The FCC chairman has sent a letter to Sinclair group and actually threatened their license (in a nice way)

    Link

    by Chain on Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 05:47:40 PM PDT

    •  Not quite (none / 0)

      A FORMER FCC Chairman.

      Not nearly the same.

      Americans are apt to be unduly interested in discovering what average opinion believes average opinion to be. (J.M. Keynes)

      by davinic on Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 05:50:54 PM PDT

      [ Parent ]

    •  Key point (none / 0)

      We gotta threaten their licenses. Gotta. It's the key to this whole thing.

      There's more in this diary I did. There's a way to make these threats bite.

      Protests are OK (although they draw attention to the broadcast). Advertising boycotts are good. Going after their licenses is better.

      Doing them all is best.

      disclaimer: I'm John Kerry's Internet Director

      by BriVT on Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 05:50:58 PM PDT

      [ Parent ]

      •  Caution (none / 0)

        In some areas, particularly in the Deep South, protest will actually harm efforts against the company.  I want these slimeballs nailed to the wall; just consider the proportion of Kerry to Bush signs in your area as a proxy (sadly it's about 20:1 for Bush in my town).

        Antebellum plantations: the last time we had an "ownership society" and a "service economy."

        by Taxorgian on Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 10:14:38 PM PDT

        [ Parent ]

    •  The Letter Is From Former FCC chairman Reed Hundt (none / 0)

      not the current chairman (Michael Powell, I believe).

      He does ask some good questions and I hope they get followed up on.

      Our Man in Redmond is now Omir the Storyteller

      by Our Man In Redmond on Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 05:55:48 PM PDT

      [ Parent ]

  •  Thank God (none / 0)

    that Al Gore invented the internet.  All kidding aside, Kos, your site and others is helping to restore democracy to this country.  I have signed the petition and will follow up on the boycott stuff.  The brown shirts are not used to people fighting back.  It's a long way from being over, but none of us are going to let up.

    Kos, you are a true patriot.

    by minndem04 on Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 05:50:24 PM PDT

  •  asdf (none / 0)

    I just received this message from my local Sinclair affiliate in response to an e-mail I sent Saturday:

    We welcome your comments regarding the upcoming special news event
    featuring the topic of Americans held as prisoners of war in Vietnam.
    The program has not been videotaped and the exact format of this
    unscripted event has not been finalized.  Characterizations regarding
    the content are premature and are based on ill-informed sources.
    Massachusetts Senator John Kerry has been invited to participate.  You
    can urge him to appear by calling his Washington, D.C. campaign
    headquarters at (202) 712-3000.  You may call this station's parent
    company headquarters at (410) 568-1780 if you would like to make further
    comments on this matter.  Thank you.

    Best Regards,

    Jennifer Chronister, GSM
    FOX 23 KBSI / WB 49 WDKA
    Paducah-Cape Girardeau Market
    Direct: 573-331-2105

    Sounds like they've already got their form letter ready.

    "Make no mistake about it: We are At War now - with somebody - and we will stay At War with that mysterious Enemy for the rest of our lives"-- HST, 9/12/01

    by mraker on Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 05:54:29 PM PDT

  •  Networks (none / 1)

    My apologies for not being able to keep up with this story over the weekend, so if my comments have been discussed elsewhere in the many diaries etc. on Sinclair, just disregard this.

    Wouldn't contacting the networks in advance of the preemptions of their programming have some effect on Sinclair. If you call the network and loudly complain about not being able to see that rerun of Hope and Faith or that episode of Law and Order: Special Criminal Intent Victims Unit at their regular time, wouldn't the network have to sit up and take notice and make their displeasure known to Sinclair. The networks and station owners are in a co-dependant relationship. If Sinclair stops being a reliable outlet for the networks (and they already showed that they are with the Nightline incident) then the networks  might look elsewhere. Sure Sinclair has a valuable commodity with the local stations, but they also want a good relationship with a high profile network. It's not good for their bottom line if CBS drops them and they get stuck with UPN.

    by J mid on Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 05:55:38 PM PDT

    •  This pressure point shouldn't be ignored. (none / 0)

      ABC, WB, UPN and the rest should be contacted as well.  Their viewership in Sinclair's locales is being told that THEY identify with this agenda.

      It's time for the Christian Right to meet the right Christians.

      by rightchristians on Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 07:10:50 PM PDT

      [ Parent ]

  •  Another way to attack Sinclair (none / 0)

    Move over to Steve Soto at the Left Coaster for information on Sinclair's licenses coming up for renewal. Talking Points also has a post on Sinclair

    by marysk on Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 05:56:20 PM PDT

  •  Really excellent op-ed piece (none / 0)

    on the subject here

    America began begins with freedom from King George's empire.

    by bribri on Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 05:59:08 PM PDT

  •  Sinclair can afford to lose all its advertisers (none / 1)

    over this for the moment. Chairman Powell will do nothing to revoke any licenses. If Bush is returned to office he will push forward the bill allowing media monopolies in every US city and advertisers will have no place else to go. Expect to see more stunts like this from the corporate media as the election nears.

    by fyreflye on Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 06:00:22 PM PDT

    •  That;s why we must draw a line in the sand (none / 0)

      That's why we have to make sure we win this one, because this might well be the last chance. Bush is pushing this country so far to the right that we may never be able to get the dream of our fathers back.

      We must all flood Sinclair's email, phones and conventional mail in an effort to prevent them from airing this unbelievably biased and lie-riddled so called documentary.

      by Nylon on Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 06:06:05 PM PDT

      [ Parent ]

    •  Use the database to write advertisers! (none / 0)


      Attack Sinclair by getting its advertisers to attack it. Below is an example letter that can be easily personalized and sent to SBG's advertisers that are listed on the database.

      Dear (Media relations/Investor relations/etc. person at XXXXXX),

      XXXXX is an advertiser on the Sinclair Broadcast Group's (SBG's) stations, and as such you are being associated with the impending boycott of SBG for its decision to air a movie that is a biased, partisan attack on a presidential candidate just before the election on November 2nd. It is our hope that such attempts to adversely affect our democracy are not in keeping with XXXXX's policy of corporate citizenship and will be condemned.

      It is, of course, your choice to keep advertising on the SBG, but to continue to do so will certainly adversely affect your business which will be of great concern to your investors.

      Sincerely,

      YYYYYY

      by joc on Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 07:31:44 PM PDT

      [ Parent ]

  •  Database needs improvement (none / 0)

    We need to get that database improved.

    There is no info about WHEN  the ad ran.

    Without that, we can't say that the ad really ran.  

    We need time and day for that ad.

    "Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit upon his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats." - H.L. Mencken

    by dataguy on Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 06:01:35 PM PDT

  •  Forget Sinclair... (none / 0)

    ...According to Reuters, Iraq's nuclear materials have gone missing!

    Think about that -- today, as Bush asked for reelection Iraq's nuclear sites are still not being secured.

    Focus all this Sinclair energy on forcing this to the top of the news and we win.  There's no way Bush can defend this.

    Let's get to it.

    As an angry toddler, McCain would hold his breath until he passed out...

    by Steve in Sacto on Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 06:05:47 PM PDT

    •  I think that's a mistake (none / 0)

      the media is a long-term problem and farther reaching than a single story.  People who were already going to vote for Bush in spite of his foreign policy incompetence are not going to suddenly change their minds over this.  

      Stephanie Dray
      of Jousting for Justice, a lefty blog with a Maryland tilt.

      by stephdray on Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 07:51:08 PM PDT

      [ Parent ]

  •  Announcing... (1.50 / 2)

    ...the "Who's most sick of this election and all the crap surrounding it" contest

    As someone who is completely sick of the 2004 election and all of the crap surrounding it, I thought it would be a good idea to offer other people who are also sick of this election, the opportunity to not only vent their frustration and disgust, but to also have a chance to win a prize at the same time.

    A special thanks to the The Poorman and the Shrillblog, which have offered to put up the prizes of a kitten and the title of "Grand Heresiarch", respectively. Prizes will be awarded based on originality, audaciousness, and baudiness...

    Click to sign up and enter

    by cgilbert01 on Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 06:05:53 PM PDT

  •  Keep the boycott going even AFTER the election (none / 0)

    Seriously. Sinclair has been heavily right-wing in their programming for some time now. We should keep a boycott going anyway, simply to starve them of profits. It's just a good long-term strategy.

    "Loyalty to the country always. Loyalty to the government when it deserves it." - Mark Twain

    by soultaco on Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 06:06:08 PM PDT

  •  Appeal for calm! (4.00 / 11)

    Hey folks,

    We need to really, really be careful here - Dan's RV center in Sacramento has been getting threatening messages, and the NYT had an article yesterday about the hate mail they've been receiving from the Left, it adds up to an ugly picture. We are bigger than that. Many of these people are ON OUR SIDE - don't be an asshole when you call them. Let the other side try to scare people into supporting them - invite them to join in us in defending our democracy - Sinclair is the enemy NOT THEIR ADVERTISERS.

    If you don't know how to express yourself strongly without making threats then I strongly recommend you start reading the letters people have posted - it is perfectly possible to nail someone to the wall like a bug and still be civil: think Kerry at both debates.

    Even if they decide to not support us in this, remember too that there are real human beings on the receiving end of your letter, often a secretary - these are the people Democrats represent so don't take your anger with a right wing CEO out on some poor soul who makes $9/ hour answering phones - it just isn't right.

    by storme on Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 06:07:20 PM PDT

    •  Who pays the bills (none / 0)

      The advertisers are the reason Sinclair exists.  That makes them part of the problem.  Given who runs the FCC the only way you can have an effect on Sinclair's actions is to threaten their revenue stream.

      That said, the only legitimate threat is to withhold business.  I would suggest the promise is to NEVER shop their again if they advertise on Sinclair's stations.

      Finally, remember what you are fighting for and who you are fighting against.  I am always reminded of that line in the Woody Allen movie (I think it was Annie Hall) where he is talking with a group of friends about an upcoming Nazi rally.  The friends are going on about devastating op-ed pieces, etc.  Allen's suggestion about how to deal with Nazi's involves baseball bats.  Words alone will not stop this crowd either, it requires action and boycotting advertisers is a damn good way to start.  

      Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter - Martin Luther King

      by Do Something on Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 06:33:44 PM PDT

      [ Parent ]

      •  They are part of the problem (4.00 / 2)

        But they may not realize it.  I was only vaguely aware of Sinclair after their Nightline stunt, and I consider myself pretty saavy.  I doubt Dan's RV Center in Sacremento is any better informed.

        I'd recommend dealing with them as you'd deal with an unruly child: kindly but firmly.  

        1. Inform them of Sinclair's actions.

        2. Note that you hold them responsible for those actions, for having advertized on a Sinclair station.

        3. Ask them to stop advertizing on the station.

        4. If they do not, tell them you will shop elsewhere, and that you will tell others to do the same.

        Fact is, a friendly-but-critical letter occupies as much space an angry-and-critical letter, and since volume, not vitriol, is what counts, you might as well send the former.  Who knows - a nice letter might even convert the person reading it to your side.

        Support Regina Thomas, GA-12

        by Drew on Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 06:51:43 PM PDT

        [ Parent ]

        •  Sinclear AND Viacom (none / 0)

          "Blogosphere Shitstorm"

          Bob Brigham Blog

          by blogswarm on Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 07:11:46 PM PDT

          [ Parent ]

        •  Insurance vs Fast Food (none / 0)

          As posted elsewhere, I have written my letter to GEICO, and I suggest any who are in the same position do the same.  Include your policy number(s)!

          Insurance is not like fast food: car insurance equals something like $60-100/month, and not many of us eat that much KFC.  But you pay that much every month, every car.

          And think of all the advertising that insurance companies like GEICO go through to get customers to switch.  A few thousand customers threatening to cancel their policy would make a MUCH bigger impact than switching where you buy your next lunch.

          McCain hates kids

          by TGos on Tue Oct 12, 2004 at 02:13:50 AM PDT

          [ Parent ]

      •  'consider who we are fighting' (4.00 / 2)

        exactly my point - it's NOT the secretary who is reading all the mail at Dan's RV: Here are some quotes from her:


        "We have had numerous emails regarding this matter...most of them threatening."

        and later in reply to an apology I wrote to her:


        "Speaking on my own behalf (not Dan's or his company's) I totally disagree with what KOVR is doing, but I have to say all the threatening `ultimatums' have only served to make me wonder about the mentality of the senders."

        and finally:


        I understand, and when I have a free moment or two I would be happy to draft what I believe would be a suitable response.  I follow politics rather closely and understand how tempers can flair.  No grudges :)

         Do you really want to go on with the Nazi comparisons at this point? Moral absolutism has no place in modern democratic politics - these are PEOPLE we are dealing with. Beyond the moral bankruptcy of demonizing our opponents, it is a truly horrid strategy for winning. If you want to succeed, learn to be scathing AND polite - it's not that hard and at the end of the day you don't go home feeling all icky.

        To reprint something I wrote earlier:

        If you don't know how to express yourself strongly without making threats then I strongly recommend you start reading the letters people have posted - it is perfectly possible to nail someone to the wall like a bug and still be civil: think Kerry at both debates.

        by storme on Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 07:57:50 PM PDT

        [ Parent ]

        •  Depends on what you mean by threat (none / 0)

          The people we are fighting are not nice, they punish those who are not with them, they make them sign loyalty oaths.  If your wife is a CIA spy and you cross them, they will expose her.  They are not impressed with what you have to say, they don't really care what you say.  They care only about money and power.

          My threat would be to stop doing business with the advertisers, that is all.  

          The comparasion was to how to deal with extremists, they are not Nazis, at least not yet.  However if a line is not drawn in the sand soon, who knows.

          Of course, be civil in your communication with employees of these companies, the reply above is an excellent template for this.  Also, do remind them though who put them in this situation.  Make it clear that there is an economic price to be paid for supporting Sinclair.  

          Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter - Martin Luther King

          by Do Something on Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 09:39:36 PM PDT

          [ Parent ]

          •  "They"?? (none / 0)

            Careful with that "they" there, cowboy!

            The people we're up against aren't a "they". Each is an individual with unique motivations and beliefs. Some are reasonable, some not; some are assholes, some are sweethearts; some would oppose us to the death, others really couldn't care less or are actively on our side-- maybe just doing what they have to do to make a living.

            I take a "questioning" tone when I write these, more on the lines of, "Are you sure you want to do this? It doesn't seem like a good business decision." This works with both those who are with us and those who are aganist us. Those who are with us, say, "Yep, you're right, it's not!", those who are against us have yet another seed of doubt. An avalance of "this doesn't seem to be a good idea" messages can cause even the most strident partisan to back down... if they value their profits enough. In any case, I want to instlll doubt, or at least some hesitation.  Threats don't instill doubt, they cause the opinionated to dig in even further, and turn thos who aren't opinionated into enemies. Doubts and questions, however, pique curiosity or maybe self-examination... which is just what I want.

            I want people to stop and think about their actions. I'm confident that, if they do in fact think, they will do the right thing, or at least drag their feet a bit before doing the wrong thing, which sometimes is more than enough to give us a win.

            by goatchowder on Tue Oct 12, 2004 at 01:26:03 AM PDT

            [ Parent ]

  •  Putnam Investments and Janus Investments (none / 0)

    Putnuam Investments and Janus Investments are major holders of Sinclair for their mutual funds.

    EMAIL PUTNAM at (Online Form) https://www.putnam.com/individual/index.html?start=contact

    EMAIL JANUS (Online Form - Click Email)
    http://ww4.janus.com/Janus/Retail/ContactJanus

    by chicagoprogressive on Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 06:08:01 PM PDT

    •  Yes: see Westfield (none / 0)

      I commented on Nutmeg's thread too late, but Westfield is the 4th largest institutional shareholder at $26.8 million. It manages funds for, among others, the city of Boston. So Boston may own a piece of Sinclair.
      (sorry, don't know how to link to my posts.)

      by annalivia on Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 06:21:36 PM PDT

      [ Parent ]

      •  Westfield invests for (none / 0)

        these clients, all of whom may have some ownership interest in Sinclair:

        Representative Clients

        The clients listed below were selected to represent the scope of Westfield's institutional client base.

        Charitable Organizations and Endowments*

        American Psychological Association
        American Society of Clinical Oncology
        Child & Family Services of N.H.
        City of Boston Endowment
        Clark University
        Community Care Foundation
        Community Foundation for Southeastern
             Michigan
        Cornell University-Boyce Thompson Inst.
        Creighton University
        Delaware Community Foundation
        Earlham College
        Ecotarium - N.E. Science Center
        Elizabethtown College
        Hudson Webber Foundation
        Kappa Kappa Gamma
        Kent County Hospital
        The Ministers and Missionaries Benefit
             Board
         Mott Children's Health Center
        Mott Family
        Mt. Sinai Health Care Foundation
        Northfield Mount Hermon School
        Orchard School Foundation
        Perkins School Endowment
        School of American Research
        S.H. Cowell Foundation
        St. Norbert College
        Sunflower Foundation
        The Rectory School
        The Sisters of Mercy of Merion, PA
        The Tatnall School
        Union College
        University of Arkansas
        University of Arkansas Foundation
        University of Maine
        University of South Carolina Educational
             Foundation


        by annalivia on Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 06:28:43 PM PDT

        [ Parent ]

    •  Sinclair ownership (none / 0)

      From Yahoo:

      TOP INSTITUTIONAL HOLDERS

      Holder Shares % Out Value* Reported
      Earnest Partners LLC 4,946,278 5.77 $50,798,273 30-Jun-04
      Gamco Investors Inc 3,640,000 4.25 $37,382,798 30-Jun-04
      Morgan Stanley 3,004,303 3.51 $30,854,190 30-Jun-04
      Westfield Capital Management Company 2,616,950 3.05 $26,876,075 30-Jun-04
      Neuberger Berman, LLC 2,266,809 2.65 $23,280,127 30-Jun-04
      Putnam Investment Management, LLC 2,081,861 2.43 $21,380,711 30-Jun-04
      Perry Corp. 1,911,452 2.23 $19,630,611 30-Jun-04
      Barclays Bank Plc 1,801,161 2.1 $18,497,922 30-Jun-04
      Blackrock Inc. 1,428,435 1.67 $14,670,027 30-Jun-04
      Janus Capital Management, LLC 1,417,887 1.66 $14,561,699 30-Jun-04

      TOP MUTUAL FUND HOLDERS

      Holder Shares % Out Value* Reported
      Morgan Stanley Special Value Fund 1,185,200 1.38 $16,177,980 31-Jan-04
      Franklin Mutual Ser Fd-Mutual Shares Fd 1,098,838 1.28 $16,460,593 31-Dec-03
      Janus Special Equity Fund 1,023,992 1.2 $8,191,936 31-Aug-04
      Harbor Small Cap Growth Fund 739,200 0.86 $9,136,511 30-Apr-04
      Invesco Sector Funds Inc-Invesco Leisure Funds 581,200 0.68 $6,439,696 31-May-04
      Morgan Stanley Inst Fd Tr-U.S. Small Cap Value Port 513,900 0.6 $6,423,750 31-Mar-04
      Van Kampen Small Cap Value Fund 488,100 0.57 $6,101,250 31-Mar-04
      FMI Focus Fd 467,700 0.55 $4,803,278 30-Jun-04
      American Skandia Tr-Gabelli Small-Cap Value Port 440,000 0.51 $6,591,200 31-Dec-03
      Harbor Small Cap Value Fund 410,400 0.48 $5,072,543 30-Apr-04


      by annalivia on Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 06:26:00 PM PDT

      [ Parent ]

    •  here's my note to janus [i'm a shareholder] (none / 0)

      It has come to my intention that Sinclair Broadcasting intends to insist all of its stations broadcast a smear of Sen. Kerry in the days just before the election. This is incredibly partisan and a misuse of the media without equal time for both sides. As a Janus shareolder I ask that Janus protest formally to Sinclair for such a craven misuse of their corporate responsibility. Democracy, and the economic fortune that evolves from true democracy, demands a non-partisan media. If Janus does not respond, I will consider severing my ties. My shares are meager but I do care what my mutual company stands for.

      The battle for Helms Deep is over. The battle for Middle Earth has just begun.

      by Mithrandir on Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 08:04:25 PM PDT

      [ Parent ]

  •  Excellent Point (none / 0)

    Kerry's election in November will is just the beginning of the effort to take this country back.  We should never forget what powers like Sinclair did to Clinton.  They'll never let up on Kerry; we can't let up on them.

    by minndem04 on Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 06:09:18 PM PDT

  •  I must be getting old.. (none / 0)

    but that Youth ad was unintelligible...

    "Publicity is justly commended as a remedy for social and industrial diseases. Sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants" Justice Louis Brandeis

    by mlangner on Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 06:12:12 PM PDT

  •  I'm just guessing here... (none / 0)

    ...but I suspect that our friend Mr. Stewart at TDS might be interested in getting a heads-up on the Viacom angle.  It'll be interesting to see if he enjoys roasting the chestnuts of his corporate overseers as much as Letterman does.

    "Nonsense!" said Alice, very loudly and decidedly, and the Queen was silent.

    by RIposte on Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 06:12:32 PM PDT

  •  viacom (none / 0)

    interesting that they won't run the ads mentioned in the main post.  perhaps part of the reason is fcc chair michael powell being a free-speech squelcher?  i have a feeling "youth-oriented" programming could be most compromised by another 4 years of gwb . . .

    my web log

    by matty fred on Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 06:13:42 PM PDT

  •  SINCLAIR STOCK TANKING! (4.00 / 3)

    by chicagoprogressive on Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 06:13:45 PM PDT

  •  check atrios for a good suggestion on this (none / 0)

    Atrios has a good post pointing to other blogs that are going to get petitions going to try to block Sinclair's license renewal in many states.

    Go check it out, especially if you are in a Sinclair state.  

    by mishimishi on Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 06:17:34 PM PDT

  •  Smaller advertisers (none / 0)

    I think hitting up the local advertisers (Joe's Ford, Harry's Pizza, Smith's Jewler) would be more effective than the national ones (Coke, Visa, Pfizer).

    -6.75, -4.92

    by permanentE on Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 06:19:31 PM PDT

    •  Yes (none / 1)

      and BE CIVIL.

      These folks aren't advertising to support Sinclair - they're advertising on the local station to reach the local market. Just trying to stay in business in the Bush economy - it's hard work.

      We gain nothing by being threatening - and risk a lot - 1st comment in the thread mentions there are already news reports about "threatening letters'

      Leave the over the top rhetoric to the Freepers - keep it civil.
      We want to win people over, not alientate them.

      Think of the reaction furious george is getting - let's not be seen in the same light :-)

      Join Soulforce-seeking Justice for God's GLBT children.
      Time to change the mindset - Obama 'O8!

      by its simple IF you ignore the complexity on Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 06:26:18 PM PDT

      [ Parent ]

    •  True.. but (none / 0)

      If a nat'l advertiser were to pull out, it would be big press.

      by Politburo on Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 07:52:14 PM PDT

      [ Parent ]

  •  Why won't Viacom air the ads? (none / 0)

    Does anyone what Viacom's official reason is for not airing the ads (if there is one)? Might help in pressuring them.

    by SCS on Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 06:21:29 PM PDT

    •  Yeah, this doesn't make sense... (none / 0)

      ...I mean, MTV has Rock the Vote, why would they refuse ads from a similiar group?  It appears to be non-partisan (at least on the surface).

      Kos also didn't post a link confirming this.  Where did you get your info?  This may be just a rumor, IMHO.

      by Geotpf on Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 06:27:39 PM PDT

      [ Parent ]

      •  Not a rumor, a scandal (none / 0)

        Check out Viacom Action Center for more information.

        They don't mind talking about registering people do vote because they know youth turnout percentages. But talking about the issues (which drives young voters to the polls) is a different story.

        See "Blogosphere Shitstorm" for more.

        Bob Brigham Blog

        by blogswarm on Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 07:00:45 PM PDT

        [ Parent ]

        •  Um... (none / 0)

          ...are you paying the going rate, or are you expecting them to run the ads for free?

          If it's the second (which it seems to be: "Because big ad dollars from corporations are more important to Viacom than free speech."), then, um, your argument is quite weak, my friend.

          If you are offering thier standard market rates for the ads, and still won't run it, that's much different.

          Has Viacom released a statement about this?

          by Geotpf on Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 07:10:18 PM PDT

          [ Parent ]

          •  Tried to pay (none / 0)

            They just up and refused to accept perfectly good money.

            Bob Brigham Blog

            by blogswarm on Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 07:15:29 PM PDT

            [ Parent ]

            •  Then that sucks (none / 0)

              And doesn't make any sense.  I mean, there's a reason every channel is wall-to-wall political ads now-they pay good money.  Did they give a reason?

              by Geotpf on Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 07:17:35 PM PDT

              [ Parent ]

              •  CompareDecideVote (none / 0)

                I just called comparedecidevote, and talked to their media contact Alex Slater, and they said that Viacom rejected the ad as national spot without stating any corporate policy.  He said that he would know more about the details tomorrow, as this just happened.  I asked him to send something.  I told him that I have owned Viacom shares since it was traded as Westinghouse, and that I would be glad to call them and let them know they have a disgusted shareholder.  I'm not about to hold stock in a company that turns down an honest business deal.

                by blank on Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 07:44:17 PM PDT

                [ Parent ]

                •  networks are always rejecting political issues ads (none / 0)


                  There is a long history of this from ads opposing US policy in El Salvador to refusing to run the Moveon ad during the Superbowl.

                  Some groups have even gone to stations with a briefcase of money to try and buy ads.

                  Tigerbeat | photos

                  by ari on Tue Oct 12, 2004 at 04:33:09 AM PDT

                  [ Parent ]

                  •  Declining Ads (none / 0)

                    I'm not against declining issue ads.  However, the broadcasting company should have a well-documented fair policy for doing so.  CompareDecideVote was not given a well-defined reason why they were rejected.  That's unacceptable.

                    by blank on Tue Oct 12, 2004 at 07:36:20 PM PDT

                    [ Parent ]

      •  Not non-partisan (none / 0)

        Look at their website. They're not non-partisan, they're hardcore Dem.

        I think Viacom has a policy of rejecting partisan ads not from the parties or campaigns. (Viacom owns CBS -- remember the Superbowl/MoveOn.org spat?) Which isn't such a bad policy: banning third-party ads is a relatively uncontroversial way of getting the really slimy ads (Swift Vets & co.) off the air.

        At least here, I don't think Viacom's guilty of bias or suppression. Sinclair, on the other hand, is betraying the public trust that granted it licenses.

        by corelli on Tue Oct 12, 2004 at 02:07:17 AM PDT

        [ Parent ]

        •  So, you're saying... (none / 0)

          ...that Viacom would reject also the Swift Boat Liars for Bush commercials if offered to them?

          The problem is that without Viacom, the youth oriented target commercials basically go to waste. Viacom is the single monolithic youth channel company as mentioned. Another perfect example of strangulation of democracy of Big Media.

          I'm not against Viacom for doing it so without bias, but if it turns out to be something else, I'm definitely going to piss on Viacom.

          Sinclair has been on my ban list ever since Nightline. Clear Channel looooong before that.

          The Bush Administration: Delivering Pain, Suffering, Destruction and Death Worldwide since 2001

          by Jonesyboy on Tue Oct 12, 2004 at 07:30:35 AM PDT

          [ Parent ]

  •  Long John Silvers? (none / 0)

    LONG JOHN SILVERS?  NOOOOOO!!!

    No one can terrorize a whole nation, unless we are all his accomplices. - Edward R. Murrow

    by CrazyHorse on Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 06:24:22 PM PDT

  •  Mutual Funds that invest in Sinclair (none / 0)

    Here is a complete list. Can we get this up somewhere so we can email them and tell them will dump the mutual fund from our retirement plans?

    http://finance.yahoo.com/q/mh?s=SBGI

    by chicagoprogressive on Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 06:24:57 PM PDT

  •  they run the SWFT (none / 0)

    and not that my god.

    After Obama's eighth straight victory, Penn told reporters: "Winning Democratic primaries is not a qualification or a sign of who can win the general election.

    by nevadadem on Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 06:30:23 PM PDT

    •  Did they? (none / 0)

      I don't think they did, at least nationally. (You can buy ad time in local markets directly from the cable companies; the CDV people have actually done this.)

      Of course, if they did run Swift Vets nationally, this is an outrage.

      by corelli on Tue Oct 12, 2004 at 02:09:41 AM PDT

      [ Parent ]

  •  Here's something that should work (none / 0)

    We need someone to buy a share of stock and get a shareholder proposal on the ballot that references both this "documentary" and David Smith's prostitution arrest.

    These proposal should go to every shareholder, and would be given time at the annual meeting.

    Shareholder proposals need to be in by December 9th, but we need it in ASAP.

    If anyone's interested I can help drafting one, but can't be out front.

    by sillyrabbit on Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 06:33:18 PM PDT

    •  Mutual Funds are good too (none / 0)

      If you won a mutual fund (or funds) - check to see if Sinclair is listed. In fact - if your mutual fund comapany does business with Sinclair you have the right to complain. Here is are the mutual fund companies as listed on Yahoo.com under SBGI Major Holders:

      Janus Special Equity Fund
      Morgan Stanley Special Value Fund
      Franklin Mutual Ser Fd-Mutual Shares Fd First American Small Cap Select Fund Invesco Sector Funds Inc-Invesco Leisure Funds
      Van Kampen Small Cap Value Fund
      FMI Focus Fd
      American Skandia Tr-Gabelli Small-Cap Value Port
      JP Morgan Small Cap Equity Fund
      Putnam Small Cap Value Fund

      by chicagoprogressive on Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 06:44:06 PM PDT

      [ Parent ]

    •  you're right (none / 0)

      lead time too long. The institutions that own Sinclair through their endowments are easier to contatc on short notice. For example, students can call for divestment. Univ of Maine and Earlham probably own since Westfield manages their money, also city of Boston. There is an irony. Boston. Follow the money.

      by annalivia on Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 06:59:46 PM PDT

      [ Parent ]

  •  Called 800# @CompareDecideVote site-xfrd to Redsto (none / 0)

    Spoke with decidedly uninformed, but very nice woman who answered phone. She'd been given card that said ad did not meet Viacom's standards or something like that. Connection not very good, poss'ly due to transfer from web site's 800 number.

    I was transferred to another woman who knew nothing about the ad or the refusal to air it.  She took my name and number.

    Batting zero so far.

    by jawbone on Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 06:35:04 PM PDT

  •  David Smith's prostitution arrest (none / 0)

    any way to get info about David Smith's prostitution arrest into the mainstream media?????

    UNCLE SAM wants YOU to help IMPEACH BUSH

    by RumsfeldResign on Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 06:37:43 PM PDT

    •  It's a tough sell (none / 0)

      But I think our attempts to get it out are among our greatest points of leverage against this company - up there with boycotting and investor-badgering.

      by sillyrabbit on Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 06:44:19 PM PDT

      [ Parent ]

    •  Not prostitution arrest (none / 1)

      He's a CONVICTED SEX OFFENDER.

      People!  We are never going to win if we keep thinking in these small terms.  If people hear "prostitution arrest" most will shrug their shoulders and giggle.

      If you call him "A CONVICTED SEX OFFENDER" then people will be outraged that such a fiend controls our nation's airwaves.

      You know that it's accurate, and that if Michael Moore had a prostitution arrest, they'd be calling him a CONVICTED SEX OFFENDER too.

      Remember, David Smith is a CONVICTED SEX OFFENDER.

      Politics ain't beanbag--Mr. Dooley

      by LeftCoastTimm on Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 08:02:36 PM PDT

      [ Parent ]

  •  I sincerely believe (none / 1)

    in response to Kos' thought, thus:

    "People wonder what's going to happen to the blogs after November. Trust me, people. The war will go on, regardless of how the Nov. 2 shakes out. We've got a whole country to take back."

    that blogs will continue to reinforce their position as the only reliable Bullshit Debunkment Auxiliary in the media.  Mainstream media are increasingly quoting us and giving us credit when they use our research.  They may not like it, but they can't deny that they get great stories and angles from us.

    Even once we have taken back the White House, there will be plenty of other stuff going on that will need our attention.  We'll quickly outline our territory in the overall information dissemination scenario as the bastion of truth amidst the festering remains of the Corporate Media.  World Peace is just a few steps down the road.  ;)

    by Loquatrix on Mon Oct 11, 2004 at 06:37:53 PM PDT

  •