Press Release
FCC Finally Fines Stations for Armstrong Williams Payola
Contact: Timothy Karr, 201-533-8838
WASHINGTON -- The Federal Communications Commission today punished broadcasters for airing commentary by pundit Armstrong Williams without disclosing that he was on the government payroll.
Sonshine's WBPH-TV in Bethlehem, Pa., was fined $40,000 for airing 10 episodes of "The Right Side with Armstrong Williams." Sinclair Broadcast Group was fined $36,000 for airing "America's Black Forum" on nine of its stations.
Both were cited for violating the FCC's sponsorship-identification rules. The punishment was the long-awaited conclusion of the agency's investigation into payments made by Bush administration officials to Williams in exchange for favorable on-air commentary about White House education policy.
Timothy Karr, campaign director of Free Press, made the following statement:
"On behalf of Free Press and the tens of thousands of concerned citizens who sent letters to the FCC calling for an exhaustive, thorough investigation, I welcome the FCC's decision to punish these broadcasters.
"Although a small price to pay given the scope of Armstrong Williams' deception, the fines were long overdue. Using taxpayer-funded propaganda to shape popular opinion is illegal, unethical and an insult to the public. Broadcasters who allow such propaganda on the air should be dealt with strictly and swiftly.
"Let's hope today's action ends Williams' career as a pundit-for-hire and sends a message to Sinclair and every other broadcaster that propaganda won't be tolerated on the public airwaves."
Sonshine's WBPH-TV in Bethlehem, Pa., was fined $40,000 for airing 10 episodes of "The Right Side with Armstrong Williams." Sinclair Broadcast Group was fined $36,000 for airing "America's Black Forum" on nine of its stations.
Both were cited for violating the FCC's sponsorship-identification rules. The punishment was the long-awaited conclusion of the agency's investigation into payments made by Bush administration officials to Williams in exchange for favorable on-air commentary about White House education policy.
Timothy Karr, campaign director of Free Press, made the following statement:
"On behalf of Free Press and the tens of thousands of concerned citizens who sent letters to the FCC calling for an exhaustive, thorough investigation, I welcome the FCC's decision to punish these broadcasters.
"Although a small price to pay given the scope of Armstrong Williams' deception, the fines were long overdue. Using taxpayer-funded propaganda to shape popular opinion is illegal, unethical and an insult to the public. Broadcasters who allow such propaganda on the air should be dealt with strictly and swiftly.
"Let's hope today's action ends Williams' career as a pundit-for-hire and sends a message to Sinclair and every other broadcaster that propaganda won't be tolerated on the public airwaves."
