Reclaiming Our Airwaves: Squawk Radio =/= Bona Fide News

[Scuba]

First, some background from Wisconsin ...

http://cognidissidence.blogspot.com/2013/05/reclaiming-our-airwaves-squawk-radio.html

In November, based on the station's violations of the law and refusal to correct their illegal behavior, the Media Action Center filed a legal challenge to the renewal of the license for WTMJ-AM.

...

WTMJ's attorneys responded that they did not violate the law, claiming that the likes of Charlie Sykes and Jeff Wagner are bona fide news sources, like Walker Cronkite and Douglas Edwards. As "bona fide" news sources, the lawyers contended that they were immune to the Zapple Doctrine, so that they could cover fundraisers and late breaking events.

Sue Wilson, Director of the Media Action Center, responded to the lawyers' claims in a press release:

Media Action Center filed a petition late in 2012 with the FCC to deny the license because, during the Scott Walker recall campaign, WTMJ's Jeff Wagner and Charlie Sykes shows were proven to have given as much as a half a million dollars in free airtime to supporters of Republican Governor Scott Walker. The station specifically denied comparable time to supporters of his Democratic opponent, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett.

The Media Action Center, working with MoveOn.Org has launched a petition drive for public support. Their drive is called "Tell the FCC: Talk Radio is NOT Bonafide News!" Their petition is here.

[monmouth3]

1. Gladly done!

[Segami]

2. Bravo!