Responces from Sinclair Advertisers

[Clintmax]

I got these two responces today:

From Capitol-One:

Thank you for contacting Capital One. As a large advertiser, we buy advertising from national broadcasters and syndicators (not directly from Sinclair or other affiliates), which would preclude us from appearing in a Sinclair-sponsored program such as "Stolen Honor."

Capital One recognizes that consumers have diverse points of view regarding programming and we appreciate them all. We are constantly working to improve every aspect of our products, our business and our company. We value customer feedback and thank you for yours.

From Meredith & Sons:

Over 50 years ago my grandparents started Meredith and Sons Lumber company. My Grandfather was a minimum wage construction worker with a 6th grade education. My Grandmother worked in the bag plant at St. Regis Paper mill. With only determination, they started in the late evening and night hours and built a company that has since grown into a multi-million dollar building supply business that has supported hundreds of families throughout our local area.

This was all accomplished in part because we live in the greatest free society the world has ever seen. This is the same free society that allows Sinclair Broadcasting to broadcast what they feel is appropriate. It allows everyone to state their opinion and patronize the establishments of their choice. This same freedom also allows us to advertise in the venues and on the stations we deem most beneficial for the continued growth of our business.

We have been advertising on WEAR 3 for over 30 years and have found it to be a valuable benefit to our advertising campaign. Although we do not always agree with their policies or choices, we make our decisions based on what we feel is in the best interest of our business and employees.

I am saddened that it has come to a point in this country that political parties or individuals feel they have the right to demand that another conform to their way of thinking by way of intimidations or coercion. Without much of a stretch, it could be likened to terrorists threatening the American people because they do not like our governments actions, or policies. It does not work.

I am truly concerned that this bipartisan vitriol and rhetoric from many involved is creating a society of intolerance and contempt, now and in our children’s future. Tolerance for differing opinion and political views unfortunately is quite scarce. I hope and pray for the day we can disagree not only respectfully, sincerely, but with civility.

If you truly feel it will help your cause by boycotting our company and it is worth it, then I am the first to recommend you do what you feel is right. I would also ask that you understand that we will do what we feel is best for our company and its employees, instead of playing a part in some political power play.

Most respectfully,



Dean Meredith
President, Meredith and Sons
8701 N. Palafox
Pensacola FL 32534
850-476-3626
Meredithonline.com

I had several come back to me saying they were undeliverable due to "Mailbox Full" errors! *belly laugh*

[emulatorloo]

1. For some reason they don't get that LYING is not Freedom of the Press

What if Sinclair Broadcasting did a news show on Meredith or Capital One where they were

1. Quoted out of context and edited to make it appear they said things they never said
2. Lied About by people with close financial ties to thier competitors.

and it had all been disproved by MSNBC and Nigthline ahead of time?

Would that be "freedom of the press" or diverse opinions?

Would it be a "political powerplay" to insist that Sinclair be honest then?

[rpannier]

2. I sent a response to your letter to Dean Meredith

Sir,

A friend of mine showed me your response to his letter asking you to pull your advertising off WEAR over their airing of the anti-Kerry documentary. In your letter you have chosen to use what I consider to be unfortunate words to describe those who disagree with your decision to continue advertising and who choose to exercise their right to refuse to shop at your establishment.

The most inflammatory statement I think you make is:

I am saddened that it has come to a point in this country that political parties or individuals feel they have the right to demand that another conform to their way of thinking by way of intimidations or coercion. Without much of a stretch, it could be likened to terrorists threatening the American people because they do not like our governments actions, or policies.

I take a totally contrary position. Sinclair Broadcasting has said they would not air any story about President Bush that they deemed was not a "true news story." I.e. any story that presented this administration in an unflattering light. Yet, they will show this "news story" on John Kerry, which is an obvious in an attempt to malign the integrity of Sen. Kerry and then have the nerve to call it a news story.
News media outlets have a responsibility to the American public. Presenting one side of an issue is not meeting that responsibility (in my opinion). Those who allow themselves to be a part of this irresponsible behavior, employees or advertisers, are just as guilty as Sinclair Broadcasting of perpetuating this behavior-- in much the same way I would be guilty if I new a crime was about to take place and did nothing to stop it.
So, I am doing the most pro-American, pro-capitalist thing I can think of to show my displeasure. I have decided not to spend my hard earned money at your place of business because I think your business practices are part of the problem.

Respectfully Yours,

Richard Scott Pannier

[Clintmax]

3. AWESOME RESPONSE!

Thank you!

[Clintmax]

4. From Mattel:

Here's what Mattel sent back to me:

Thank you for contacting Mattel. We always appreciate hearing from our consumers on issues that are important to them.

We have discussed your comments with the appropriate area at Mattel. Mattel's policy is to work with our advertising agencies to pre-screen all programming that Mattel commercials are placed in. We do not endorse or support a specific political party or candidate, and would not support any related programming with our advertising.

We advertise on a broad range of stations, including local, national and cable programming. As you can imagine, advertising decisions are made with advanced planning and we had no prior knowledge of Sinclair's actions at the time of these decisions.

Our philosophy at Mattel is to support candidates and parties through the Mattel Political Action Committee, which is filed publicly with the FEC (federal elections commission).

We suggest that if you have concerns pertaining to Sinclair's broadcasting practices that you contact the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) directly. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) can be contacted by logging onto WWW.FCC.Gov or by calling 1-888-225-5322.

Sincerely,

Mattel, Inc.
Consumer Relations


Sounds like a cop-out to me.