Quote:
This is an interesting turn of events. Has this strategy been tried before?
WKTV is the same NBC affiliate whose anchorman Bill Worden, said live-on the air that Al D'Amato's loss at the hands of Hillary Clinton would be `a massive loss to our area'. That may not be an exact quote but it's pretty close.
posted by nondairy_creamer at the smirking chimp
Democrats upset by telecast of vice president's remarks Friday, Jul 14, 2006
By Shawn Anderson
Observer-Dispatch
scanderson@utica.gannett.com
UTICA —
The plan by WKTV to broadcast live a visit by Vice President Dick Cheney today drew criticism from some Democrats.
"That's wrong," said William Morris II, chairman of the Oneida County Democratic Committee. "It's a political event, a fundraiser."
Robert Hyde, a member of the committee, said WKTV's extensive coverage could constitute an illegal campaign contribution.
Cheney is coming to the Hotel Utica for a fundraiser benefiting Republican U.S. Congressional candidate Raymond Meier.
Vic Vetters, WKTV vice president and general manager, said the station is covering Cheney's visit strictly as a news story. He said Cheney's remarks were an important part of that story.
Vetters said the station wasn't being reimbursed by Meier's campaign for any cost of covering the event.
He also noted WKTV would cover protesters opposed to Cheney and seek comment from Oneida County District Attorney Michael Arcuri, a challenger to Meier.
George Smaragdis, a spokesman with the Federal Election Commission, which enforces federal campaign finance laws, said he couldn't comment on the matter.
He said he couldn't prejudice the matter in the event a formal complaint was filed.
Generally speaking, though, campaign finance law exempts news organizations' coverage from consideration as a campaign contribution.
Link:
http://uticaod.com/apps/pbcs.dll/articl ... 0622977957
Catherine
