Several associations representing journalists are chiding Sinclair Broadcast Group for directing its local news anchors to read a script on-air decrying "false" news stories—and the company retaliated against one association by withdrawing previously pledged funds for the group's legal advocacy fund.

Sinclair is one of the largest television broadcast companies in the U.S., owning stations in nearly 200 markets. The company has for years directed local stations to air politically conservative commentaries and news stories, but recently ordered anchors to read from a script accusing the rest of the media of engaging in "biased and false news" and using their platforms to pursue political agendas.

Critics of the company noted Sinclair is currently awaiting federal approval of a proposed merger, so the message could be timed to court favor with the Trump administration by echoing the president's "fake news" allegations. (After the statements aired, President Donald Trump tweeted he was a fan of Sinclair.)
Several journalism groups said the company's actions represent a threat to editorial independent of newsrooms.

"Unlike national news organizations, local print and broadcast outlets can dive into issues most important to people in a specific area with original ownership and expertise," Andrew Seaman, chairman of the Society for Professional Journalists ethics committee, said in an op-ed on the group's website. "Local journalists can grieve with and console community members when beloved neighbors pass away. Local journalists can also act as a gateway for a national audience on certain stories."

The National Association of Black Journalists and National Association of Hispanic Journalists both said they had relayed their concerns to Sinclair. The National Press Photographers Association issued a statement Wednesday imploring Sinclair and other media companies to "to always be mindful of the manner in which we criticize the work of other journalists."

The next day, Sinclair informed NPPA the company was rescinding a previously pledged $25,000 donation to the group's legal advocacy fund.

"While we are disappointed by this action, NPPA will not be deterred from our commitment to our Code of Ethics, and we will not be deterred from our commitment to advocating for First Amendment, copyright, and other important issues in the year ahead," NPAA said in a statement. http://bit.ly/2Jrk4Hk

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