Sinclair: Dangerous to Our Democracy

Sinclair: Dangerous to Our Democracy

By Sue Sitton

Our constitution protects our right to a free and open press.  Do we take it for granted and forget that freedom of the press is at the core of our democracy?  Are we at risk of losing it?  Does the merger of Sinclair Broadcast Group and Tribune Media change the landscape of free and open press as we know it?   Sinclair has a practice of mandating their TV news stations to be less independent and to run “required segments” that have a conservative, Pro-Trump view.  This is not journalism; this is propaganda.  Freedom of the Press?

Sinclair has been in the news off and on since May 2017 when they announced their intent to buy Tribune Media.  At that time, it was not allowed because the FCC would not allow a single organization to own more than 34% of the market.  Problem solved … right?  No.  The Trump-controlled FCC changed the threshold to 74%.  That allowed Sinclair to fit nicely under the new rule.

Recently, Sinclair became the spotlight of most news reporting and social media.  A “mashup” video that went viral (8 million views in 3 days) showed a montage of 73 Sinclair news affiliates from across the country.  SInclair mandated their anchors to perform the exact same script in almost robotic form. The message was to warn of the dangers of “fake news” in language that echoes Trump’s rhetoric.  Some have referred to it as the “hostage video”. John Oliver describes the journalists as sounding like members of a brainwashed cult.  Is this what state-controlled media looks like?

Andy Kroll of Mother Jones reported that “Sinclair has been widely criticized for its close ties to the White House. It’s [sic] chairman and former CEO, David Smith, is active in Republican politics and supported Donald Trump’s campaign. The network’s chief political analyst, Boris Epshteyn, served as a senior adviser to Trump’s presidential campaign. During the 2016 campaign, Sinclair reportedly struck a deal with the Trump campaign to give it better media coverage.”

Sinclair Broadcast Group has been described as “Fox on steroids.”  Like Fox, corporate executives armed with far-right political agendas dictate the message and product presented on their news affiliates.  Affiliates are mandated to air commentary created and presented by Boris Epshteyn and other far-right, Trumpian propaganda messengers.

Currently Sinclair owns about 173 stations that reach about 40% of U.S. households.  If Sinclair is successful and buys the Tribune, they will own over 220 stations that reach 72% of U.S. households.

Had Enough of Trump’s spewing propaganda and fake news in the media?  The mute button helps with this problem.  What about Fox cable “news”?  We can avoid the Fox anchors’ extreme rhetoric and fake news; just don’t watch it. 

But what happens when political Trumpian propaganda enters your home through a trusted local news station like WGN?  These anchors are local and they report on stories about our neighbors.  We have a a different relationship with them than with national anchors.  Sinclair is not referenced.  We see the station’s call-letters (e.g., WGN) and the familiar faces of our local news.

Does anyone remember the reaction in Chicago when Jerry Springer was hired to give commentary on WMAQ News?  Viewers were outraged.  Carol Marin and Ron Magers both quit in protest.  Yes, those were simpler times with a lesser threat.  Carol and Ron were standing up for journalistic integrity.

As a final thought, Dan Rather Tweeted “News anchors looking into camera and reading a script handed down by a corporate overlord, words meant to obscure the truth not elucidate it, isn’t journalism.  It’s propaganda.  It’s Orwellian.  A slippery slope to how despots wrest power, silence dissent, and oppress the masses.”

Take this seriously and stay informed.  A free and independent press is critical to our democracy.

Stand with our kids - Trigger Warning poem

Thought and Prayers not enough - Trigger Warning #ENOUGH

By Sue Sitton

Since the Parkland school shooting on Valentine’s Day, young people are speaking out and have started a movement to demand gun safety legislation.  They fearlessly challenge the NRA, which is more than many of our elected officials have done.  Our kids are tired of the same old line of “thoughts and prayers.”  Students from our own Township are at the center of this movement, using poetry to share the fears and frustrations of being the target for school shootings.  We need to “Stand with our kids” and support them to stay energized to keep their movement going.

On March 24^th, four talented students from Hinsdale Central High School performed their poem “Trigger Warning” at the March for Our Lives Chicago.  Ellie Pena (freshman), Amani Mryan (junior), Kai Foster (senior), and Ayana Otokiti (junior) are members of the Poetry Club.  They wrote and performed their poem “Trigger Warning” at the march.

After being posted on the Facebook page NowThisNews, their performance went viral (over 3.5 million views and counting).  If for some reason you didn’t see it, take the time to watch and listen.  Also, see The Doings –  Burr Ridge article, “Hinsdale Central girls’ March for Our Lives poetry video goes viral”.

A few days before the march, Kai was a volunteer at the DGTDO office and shared that she was excited and honored to be able to be part of this important event.  It is so great to see young people involved and in action on important issues.  Let’s not take them for granted.

DGTDO Message from the Chair

Message from the Chair

By Kim Savage

Go, team! I hope everyone is proud of the momentum we are building toward the November General Election! The network of Precinct Committeemen, volunteers, and campaigns continues to grow in strength every day because of the enthusiasm and commitment of everyone involved. While knocking on doors and calling voters are the most effective ways to engage voters, they are not the only ways you can actively engage in the rising tide that will wash out the Republican stranglehold on our country.

By now, you know that local Democratic turnout was strong in the Primary Election. In some precincts, our candidates drew double the number of voters than the Republicans. It is a great sign, but we can’t get lulled into a false sense of security! Republican voters will come out in force in November, so it is vital that we make sure that voters are educated on the qualifications of our candidates, our issues, and the voting records of incumbents. Democratic campaigns are already back on the street, earning the confidence of local voters.

Thanks again to all of the candidates who stepped up in the Primary Election. We appreciate your dedication to the cause! We also applaud the growing throngs of volunteers who amplify the message to Democratic voters. Keep fighting the good fight!

Watch our newsletter for candidate profiles. Share the candidate information on our website with your friends and family. Stop by the office and get connected with other local volunteers. Share your enthusiasm today and every day. Be wary of shiny objects that may distract you from the mission! Most importantly, support the Democratic candidates with your time, talent, and treasure because they cannot represent you unless our strong community of Democrats shouts from the rooftops. Go, team!