Pro-Kerry filmmaker offers Sinclair 'equal time' solution

[NYCGirl]

http://www.salon.com/politics/war_room/index.html

The filmmaker behind the new pro-John Kerry documentary plans to offer it to Sinclair Broadcasting-- free of charge -- to see if the company is interested in showing its viewers a balanced presentation of the candidate. The challenge comes in the wake of Sinclair's extraordinary decision to force its 62 stations nationwide, just days before the presidential election, to air "Stolen Honor," which attacks Kerry's anti-war activities from the early 1970s, and which the Kerry campaign has labeled a smear film.

"Sinclair's using public airwaves to broadcast, at a politically sensitive time, an anti-Kerry message," says Paul Alexander, director of the critically-acclaimed "Brothers in Arms" film, which examines Kerry's experience in Vietnam, and casts him in a favorable light. "My argument is if they're going to air 'Stolen Honor' then they should run my film, and preferably in the hour right after it. I'm sending them a letter tomorrow demanding that." Earlier this week as the controversy brewed, a Sinclair spokesman told the New York Times the company would consider running a Kerry documentary from a different perspective. Alexander's offer may effectively, and publicly, call Sinclair's bluff.

"If they're going to air an anti-Kerry documentary, it's my opinion that under the equal time rule they're required to air the same amount of time" showing the other side, he adds, referring to the broadcast regulation that forbids stations from giving significant airtime to one candidate but not his or her opponent. The filmmaker says several television outlets have approached him about airing his film, "Brothers in Arms," but backed away when faced with the equal time restraint, which might force them to air a film about Bush. "But suddenly on the other side it's okay," to ignore the obligation for balance, asks Alexander.

Executives at conservative Sinclair, who made headlines last spring when they ordered their eight ABC stations not to run "Nightline" when the news show read the names of the fallen U.S. soldiers in Iraq, claim "Stolen Honor" is a news program and therefore does not fall under any equal time requirement. Alexander, noting "Stolen Honor" is widely available in DVD form to anyone who wants to purchase it, insists the film does not constitute news. He says he's also willing to offer his movie for free and to cut it down to match the exact the time length of "Stolen Honor." "I'll do whatever it takes," he says. Adding, "If they don't air it, then their intention with "Stolen Honor" is clear; it's a political move to assassinate the character of John Kerry."

-- Eric Boehlert

[progressivebydesign]

1. Paul Alexander is a true patriot!

Here is a man willing to stand up to Sinclair, and throw it down!! Perfectly done!

[Sandpiper]

2. Excellent

The bluff has been called.

If Sinclair says no, then everyone sees their true intentions.

[Vincardog]

7. WE sees their true intentions now everyone may someday

[tishaLA]

3. this, or "Going Upriver," is the only rational soution

which means Sinclair will NEVER go for it.

edit: spelling

[Got WMD]

4. "Ha-ha...."

quoting Nelson from the Simpsons

[Pirate Smile]

5. I haven't heard about this documentary. Has anyone seen it?

[Sandpiper]

6. This should be a homepage topic

Let's make sure the word on this gets out, and that people know that Sinclair's bluff has been called.

[demokatgurrl]

8. The "equal time" rule no longer exists, thanks to

Reagan.
I don't really agree with the idea of compromising with them in any way. I say we should continue our campaign of emails, phone calls, boycotts, publicity.

[sonicx]

17. 'equal time' still exists, Reagan got rid of the

'fairness doctrine.' I don't know the differences off the top of my head.

[NYCGirl]

9. Here are links to some reviews of "Brothers in Arms"

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/10004447-brothers_in_arms/

[MidwestTransplant]

10. I don't like that idea

Why give in to them showing lies just so the truth can later be shown. Lies are lies and shouldn't be shown as news.

[sonicx]

12. this is just one possible solution

and i think it's a good one.

[RafterMan]

13. I don't like it either

Some kind of evil threshhold is being crossed with the broadcast. It may be inevitable, but it'd be better if we could just make them back down this time.

[seabeyond]

11. kick ass, i suggested up river, but this will do

man i love our democrats................

[troublemaker]

14. self-promoting wank, IMO

This guy is not helpful.

Sinclair would love that out because they want to air lies any way they can. You do not "balance" lies with a legitimate documentary.

[sonicx]

15. this is just one possible solution

of course we're going to keep trying to get this thing off the air, but a counter-doc would be the next best thing.

[mzmolly]

16. GREAT!

:toast:

[chuckrocks]

18. why pro Kerry?

the attention span of the average american, coupled with the thought process of the "undecided" doesn't bode well for the counter-punch. once the mush has been planted in their heads, why would they sit through another infommercial? if you confuse them, it only makes rove stronger. they need to stop this bushit attack. christ, next they'll be showing clips on talk shows "this is what they don't want you to see", "what is it here that scares K/E?" yes, i disagree with the idea of a pro-Kerry film in response.
if anything, i want to see an anti-bush film. then then let america the idiot boxed vote one off the avenue. seacrest out!