Viral video shows dangers of Sinclair-Tribune merger

Deadspin, a popular blog, compiled recordings of news anchors from across the country reciting their Sinclair-authored anti-media screed. The results illustrate the real dangers of media consolidation – how central control of narrative can turn local journalists into tools for political propaganda.

Sinclair journalists are speaking out against video, highlighting Sinclair’s “must-run” editorial practice that forces local news anchors to read corporate-written scripts. One Sinclair producer in Nebraska resigned to protest what he called Sinclair's "obvious bias." The resigning producer told CNN: "This is almost forcing local news anchors to lie to their viewers."

Sinclair wants to buy Tribune for $3.9 billion, creating a broadcasting behemoth and giving Sinclair the ability to push its political spin into more than 70% of US television households. The merger is currently under review at the DOJ and the FCC. It should be denied.

Links:

How America's Largest Local TV Owner Turned Its News Anchors Into Soldiers In Trump's War On The Media (Deadspin, Mar. 31, 2018)

Sinclair Broadcasting Orders Local Anchors To Record Bizarre ‘Hostage’ Video (Huffington Post, Apr. 2, 2018)

Sinclair's new media-bashing promos rankle local anchors (CNN, Mar. 7, 2018)