Brian Stelter of CNN is one of America’s few remaining journalists covering the media industry.
Close to a month ago on March 7th, Stelter reported that Sinclair Media, the largest single owner of local television outlets, including KOMO in Seattle, was directing its outlets to provide an “anchor delivered journalistic responsibility message.”
The instructions sent to station news directors say that the 60- and 75-second spots should run frequently “to create maximum reach and frequency.”
“Please produce the attached scripts exactly as they are written,” the instructions say. “This copy has been thoroughly tested and speaks to our Journalistic Responsibility as advocates to seek the truth on behalf of the audience.”
Stelter cited Sinclair journalists saying they were “uncomfortable” reading such statements.
The Morning Wire: Keeping you informed on politics, policies, and personalities of Washington State.
This weekend, Deadspin produced a powerful video that features Sinclair outlets across the country reading from the script. It’s only been out a few days, but has quickly gone viral. If you haven’t seen it, it’s worth watching below.
How America’s largest local TV owner turned its news anchors into soldiers in Trump’s war on the media: https://t.co/iLVtKRQycL pic.twitter.com/dMdSGellH3
— Deadspin (@Deadspin) March 31, 2018
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