Philadelphia — The clearest sign that Kamala Harris’ campaign thought she won the ABC presidential debate was the fact that her elated surrogates in the post-debate spin room were gloating about “finally landing a punch on Donald Trump” — and floating the possibility of a rematch.
The clearest sign Trump knew he lost was the fact that Trump himself appeared in the spin room to defend his debate performance on Tuesday night.
Shortly before 11:30 p.m., the former president shuffled into the Pennsylvania Convention Center, where an armada of surrogates, including Robert Kennedy Jr.,...
The clearest sign Trump knew he lost was the fact that Trump himself appeared in the spin room to defend his debate performance on Tuesday night.
Shortly before 11:30 p.m., the former president shuffled into the Pennsylvania Convention Center, where an armada of surrogates, including Robert Kennedy Jr.,...
- 9/11/2024
- by Tessa Stuart and Asawin Suebsaeng
- Rollingstone.com
Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani has launched a self-branded coffee line amid spiral legal woes and costs. The new brand seems to be an effort to raise money for his ever-growing list of creditors.
“By supporting Rudy Coffee, you’re not just treating yourself to exceptional coffee, you’re also supporting our cause – the cause of truth, justice, and American democracy,” Giuliani said in the video.
On Tuesday, the former mayor and several other state Republican leaders pleaded not guilty to charges of allegedly conspiring to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election in Arizona.
Giuliani, who was ordered to post a $10,000 bond, was served with the summons on Friday at his 80th birthday celebration in Palm Beach, Florida after Arizona prosecutors had spent weeks trying to track him down. The former mayor claimed he had not been hiding from the authorities and cited security concerns and threats he had received.
“By supporting Rudy Coffee, you’re not just treating yourself to exceptional coffee, you’re also supporting our cause – the cause of truth, justice, and American democracy,” Giuliani said in the video.
On Tuesday, the former mayor and several other state Republican leaders pleaded not guilty to charges of allegedly conspiring to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election in Arizona.
Giuliani, who was ordered to post a $10,000 bond, was served with the summons on Friday at his 80th birthday celebration in Palm Beach, Florida after Arizona prosecutors had spent weeks trying to track him down. The former mayor claimed he had not been hiding from the authorities and cited security concerns and threats he had received.
- 5/24/2024
- by Baila Eve Zisman
- Uinterview
If you’re a Republican politician looking to score points with Donald Trump, there’s a decent chance you’ve been spotted recently in or outside Manhattan Criminal Court. U.S. senators, House members, state attorneys general, and former GOP presidential primary opponents have all traveled to New York to support the former president during his criminal trial.
Trump has publicly complained that the Maga faithful haven’t descended on the court in droves, blaming law enforcement for restricting access to the area for blocks, which is false. Privately, he...
Trump has publicly complained that the Maga faithful haven’t descended on the court in droves, blaming law enforcement for restricting access to the area for blocks, which is false. Privately, he...
- 5/14/2024
- by Catherina Gioino, Asawin Suebsaeng and Ryan Bort
- Rollingstone.com
On Wednesday, an Arizona grand jury indicted 18 of Donald Trump’s allies for trying to overturn his 2020 election loss in the state.
Boris Epshteyn, a former White House aide who has remained one of Trump’s closest advisers, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows are three of 18 indicted allies. Their names were redacted in documents released, but court officials confirmed that they were included in the group charged.
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes (D) announced the indictment Wednesday night. She focused on the 11 people who acted as pro-Trump electors in Arizona.
“A state grand jury made up of everyday regular Arizonans has now handed down felony indictments for all 11 Republican electors as well as several others connected to this scheme,” Mayes stated.
“These are serious indictments, but this is the first hurdle the state must pass in our constitutional criminal justice system,...
Boris Epshteyn, a former White House aide who has remained one of Trump’s closest advisers, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows are three of 18 indicted allies. Their names were redacted in documents released, but court officials confirmed that they were included in the group charged.
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes (D) announced the indictment Wednesday night. She focused on the 11 people who acted as pro-Trump electors in Arizona.
“A state grand jury made up of everyday regular Arizonans has now handed down felony indictments for all 11 Republican electors as well as several others connected to this scheme,” Mayes stated.
“These are serious indictments, but this is the first hurdle the state must pass in our constitutional criminal justice system,...
- 4/25/2024
- by Alessio Atria
- Uinterview
Rudy Giuliani, Mark Meadows, and John Eastman were among 18 co-defendants indicted by an Arizona grand jury Wednesday on charges stemming from their attempts to overturn the state’s 2020 election results by nominating fake electors.
The indictment capped off a year-long investigation spearheaded by Arizona Attorney General Kristin Mayes (D). Wednesday’s filing lists 11 named defendants and seven redacted defendants who are charged with six counts of forgery, one count of conspiracy, one count of fraudulent schemes and artifices, and one count of fraudulent schemes and practices.
The filing redacted the...
The indictment capped off a year-long investigation spearheaded by Arizona Attorney General Kristin Mayes (D). Wednesday’s filing lists 11 named defendants and seven redacted defendants who are charged with six counts of forgery, one count of conspiracy, one count of fraudulent schemes and artifices, and one count of fraudulent schemes and practices.
The filing redacted the...
- 4/25/2024
- by Jeremy Childs
- Rollingstone.com
Donald Trump stormed out of a Manhattan courtroom on Friday as lawyers for E. Jean Carroll delivered their closing arguments in the author’s second civil defamation case against the former president.
As Carroll’s attorney, Roberta Kaplan, addressed the jury, Trump stood up from his place at the defense table and left the room. According to Politico, the former president’s outburst came shortly after Kaplan stated Trump hadn’t even waited 24 hours before disrespecting the verdict in Carroll’s first case against him, in which Trump was found...
As Carroll’s attorney, Roberta Kaplan, addressed the jury, Trump stood up from his place at the defense table and left the room. According to Politico, the former president’s outburst came shortly after Kaplan stated Trump hadn’t even waited 24 hours before disrespecting the verdict in Carroll’s first case against him, in which Trump was found...
- 1/26/2024
- by Nikki McCann Ramirez
- Rollingstone.com
Prosecutors in Arizona are probing the extent to which Donald Trump and his allies were still working behind the scenes to reverse the results of the 2020 presidential election — years into Joe Biden’s presidency. According to two people with knowledge of the situation, investigators with the Arizona attorney general’s office are inquiring about efforts to overturn the election that continued well into 2021 and 2022.
The sources say that investigators have asked about a 2022 pressure campaign from Trump allies aimed at decertifying the state’s electors, and inquired about how deeply...
The sources say that investigators have asked about a 2022 pressure campaign from Trump allies aimed at decertifying the state’s electors, and inquired about how deeply...
- 10/3/2023
- by Adam Rawnsley and Asawin Suebsaeng
- Rollingstone.com
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis indicted Donald Trump and 18 of his allies last month for conspiring to overturn the Georgia’s 2020 presidential election results. The special grand jury Willis empaneled to investigate the scheme wanted charges brought against several other individuals, a report filed Friday revealed, including Sen. Lindsey Graham.
Graham is one of three Republican senators the grand jury wanted brought up on charges for the effort to overturn the election. It also recommended indicting former Sens. David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler, both of Georgia. Graham responded to...
Graham is one of three Republican senators the grand jury wanted brought up on charges for the effort to overturn the election. It also recommended indicting former Sens. David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler, both of Georgia. Graham responded to...
- 9/8/2023
- by Ryan Bort
- Rollingstone.com
This may come as a shock, but someone close to Donald Trump was accused of sexual misconduct.
A woman accused Boris Epshteyn, an adviser to the former president, of groping her and her sister at an Arizona nightclub in 2021, according to police body camera footage obtained by The Arizona Republic.
The video shows police interviewing the woman who lodged the complaint. “All night he’s been touching me and my sister, especially my sister,” she says. “He kind of cornered her and grabbed her and is just making her super uncomfortable.
A woman accused Boris Epshteyn, an adviser to the former president, of groping her and her sister at an Arizona nightclub in 2021, according to police body camera footage obtained by The Arizona Republic.
The video shows police interviewing the woman who lodged the complaint. “All night he’s been touching me and my sister, especially my sister,” she says. “He kind of cornered her and grabbed her and is just making her super uncomfortable.
- 8/10/2023
- by Ryan Bort
- Rollingstone.com
In the days and hours before the Jan. 6 Capitol attack, diehard Donald Trump allies gathered at Washington’s Willard Hotel, hunkered down as the last-ditch efforts to overturn the 2020 election went forward. What exactly they were doing in those meetings was a subject of intense interest for Congress’ Jan. 6 investigation, but the committee ran into the limits of its powers as it struggled to reconstruct the specifics of those eleventh-hour meetings.
Now, special counsel Jack Smith’s office is taking its shot, hoping to figure out exactly what went down...
Now, special counsel Jack Smith’s office is taking its shot, hoping to figure out exactly what went down...
- 7/21/2023
- by Asawin Suebsaeng and Adam Rawnsley
- Rollingstone.com
It looks like Donald Trump has established a playbook for getting indicted: fly into the city he’s being charged in, load up the motorcade, go to court, get arrested, get arraigned, then fly to one of his resorts for a night-of speech. Trump flew to Mar-a-Lago to speak after getting arrested in New York in April, and on Tuesday he flew from Florida to his club in Bedminster, New Jersey, after pleading not guilty to 37 criminal counts brought against him by the Justice Department.
Before a crowd of supporters...
Before a crowd of supporters...
- 6/14/2023
- by Nikki McCann Ramirez
- Rollingstone.com
Right up until the day Donald Trump’s federal indictment was unsealed, the legal team tasked with defending him was engaged in petty internal feuds — including fights over TV appearances, accusations of disloyalty, and even a so-called “coup,” three people familiar with the situation, as well as others on or close to Trump’s legal defense, tell Rolling Stone.
The clashes were dramatic enough that Friday, hours before Trump’s federal indictment in the Mar-a-Lago documents probe was unsealed, top lawyers John Rowley and Jim Trusty abruptly resigned. The resignations...
The clashes were dramatic enough that Friday, hours before Trump’s federal indictment in the Mar-a-Lago documents probe was unsealed, top lawyers John Rowley and Jim Trusty abruptly resigned. The resignations...
- 6/13/2023
- by Asawin Suebsaeng and Adam Rawnsley
- Rollingstone.com
Updated with latest: Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg on Tuesday elaborated on the indictment brought against former President Donald Trump, characterizing it as a scheme to keep damaging information about an alleged affair with Stormy Daniels from the voting public.
Trump today pleaded not guilty to a 34-count indictment of falsifying business records. The charges allege that he was trying to cover up the payments he ultimately made to Daniels via his then-attorney, Michael Cohen.
“At its core, this case today is one with allegations like so many of our white collar cases, allegations that someone lied again and again to protect their interests and evade the laws to which we are all held accountable,” Bragg said.
He said that New York state election law “makes it a crime to conspire to promote a candidacy by unlawful means.” He also alleged that Trump planned to make false statements to tax...
Trump today pleaded not guilty to a 34-count indictment of falsifying business records. The charges allege that he was trying to cover up the payments he ultimately made to Daniels via his then-attorney, Michael Cohen.
“At its core, this case today is one with allegations like so many of our white collar cases, allegations that someone lied again and again to protect their interests and evade the laws to which we are all held accountable,” Bragg said.
He said that New York state election law “makes it a crime to conspire to promote a candidacy by unlawful means.” He also alleged that Trump planned to make false statements to tax...
- 4/4/2023
- by Ted Johnson and Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
The Maga cryptocurrency $Fjb, (officially Freedom Jobs Business, unofficially shorthand for “Fuck Joe Biden”) has fallen 95 percent in value in the past 13 months despite a relentless push by owners Steve Bannon and Boris Epshteyn to keep it afloat, according to an investigation by ABC News. The devalued digital currency has also reportedly become a hotbed for complaints from investors claiming mismanagement and broken promises by Bannon and Epshteyn.
According to a Dec. 2021 contract obtained by ABC News, Bannon and Epshteyn were granted “control, administration, and governance of the coin,” which...
According to a Dec. 2021 contract obtained by ABC News, Bannon and Epshteyn were granted “control, administration, and governance of the coin,” which...
- 2/23/2023
- by Nikki McCann Ramirez
- Rollingstone.com
Federal prosecutors are looking to cut through Former President Donald Trump’s staunch wall of lawyers by using the crime-fraud exception to compel the testimony of his lawyer, M. Evan Corcoran, before a grand jury, the New York Times reports. The crime fraud exception voids legal secrecy when a client has sought a lawyer’s help in the commission of a fraud or crime, and prosecutors have asked a federal judge to invoke the exception.
The move is part of an ongoing investigation into the former president’s handling of...
The move is part of an ongoing investigation into the former president’s handling of...
- 2/15/2023
- by Charisma Madarang
- Rollingstone.com
Donald Trump filed a lawsuit on Wednesday accusing New York Attorney General Letita James of conducting a “witch hunt” and violating the former president’s right to privacy in the state’s civil fraud suit against him and three of his children. The New York Times reported a day later that Trump’s own legal team attempted to block the suit, calling it frivolous, and even warning that it borders on malpractice.
Members of Trump’s legal teams both in Florida and New York allegedly expressed concern that the suit...
Members of Trump’s legal teams both in Florida and New York allegedly expressed concern that the suit...
- 11/3/2022
- by Nikki McCann Ramirez
- Rollingstone.com
Christina Bobb, the Trump lawyer who in June signed a letter certifying that all of the sensitive material the former president moved from the White House to Mar-a-Lago had been returned, is talking to federal authorities investigating the matter.
The news that Bobb is dishing to the feds, reported initially by NBC News, comes just over two months after the FBI searched Trump’s Palm Beach estate, where they found scores of sensitive, classified documents. This means Bobb’s statement was false, of course. She claims it’s not her fault,...
The news that Bobb is dishing to the feds, reported initially by NBC News, comes just over two months after the FBI searched Trump’s Palm Beach estate, where they found scores of sensitive, classified documents. This means Bobb’s statement was false, of course. She claims it’s not her fault,...
- 10/10/2022
- by Ryan Bort
- Rollingstone.com
The Department of Justice has issued around 40 subpoenas in the past week seeking information about former President Donald Trump’s plans to overturn the results of the 2020 election. The New York Times reported Monday on the number of subpoenas issued, as well as noting that two Trump advisers — Boris Epshteyn and Mike Roman — had their phones seized.
Dan Scavino, Trump’s long-term social media guru, was among those to receive subpoenas, as was Bernard Kerik, the former New York City police commissioner who has also been under scrutiny by the Jan.
Dan Scavino, Trump’s long-term social media guru, was among those to receive subpoenas, as was Bernard Kerik, the former New York City police commissioner who has also been under scrutiny by the Jan.
- 9/12/2022
- by Ryan Bort
- Rollingstone.com
Stark political divisions in the U.S. have caused a surge in TV ad spending, with primary races in Ohio, Pennsylvania and other key states pointing to a massive haul in the upcoming fall midterms.
One key beneficiary of that influx of cash is Sinclair Broadcast Group, the No. 2 owner of local TV stations in the U.S. The company’s CEO, Chris Ripley offered his outlook on political ads and other topics in an appearance at the MoffettNathanson 9th Annual Media and Communications Summit.
“Some of these primary races are crazy,” Ripley said. He cited Ohio, where Donald Trump-backed U.S. Senate candidate J.D. Vance prevailed in a hard-fought contest. The 75 million spent on TV ads for the primary was 40 times more than what was spent on the primary in the last election, Ripley said, and four times more than the last general election.
“On the one hand,...
One key beneficiary of that influx of cash is Sinclair Broadcast Group, the No. 2 owner of local TV stations in the U.S. The company’s CEO, Chris Ripley offered his outlook on political ads and other topics in an appearance at the MoffettNathanson 9th Annual Media and Communications Summit.
“Some of these primary races are crazy,” Ripley said. He cited Ohio, where Donald Trump-backed U.S. Senate candidate J.D. Vance prevailed in a hard-fought contest. The 75 million spent on TV ads for the primary was 40 times more than what was spent on the primary in the last election, Ripley said, and four times more than the last general election.
“On the one hand,...
- 5/19/2022
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Update 6:44pm Pt, December 6: Rudy Giuliani has had an eventful Sunday, as Donald Trump revealed his lawyer tested positive for Covid-19 and was then admitted to Georgetown University Medical Center. Giuliani took to Twitter to give us an update on his condition.
“Thank you to all my friends and followers for all the prayers and kind wishes,” he tweeted. “I’m getting great care and feeling good. Recovering quickly and keeping up with everything.”
Thank you to all my friends and followers for all the prayers and kind wishes.
I’m getting great care and feeling good.
Recovering quickly and keeping up with everything.
— Rudy W. Giuliani (@RudyGiuliani) December 7, 2020
Update 5:41pm Pt, December 6: Shortly after Donald Trump revealed that Rudy Giuliani tested positive for Covid-19, the lawyer was admitted to MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington.
It is still unknown when Giuliani tested positive for the coronavirus.
“Thank you to all my friends and followers for all the prayers and kind wishes,” he tweeted. “I’m getting great care and feeling good. Recovering quickly and keeping up with everything.”
Thank you to all my friends and followers for all the prayers and kind wishes.
I’m getting great care and feeling good.
Recovering quickly and keeping up with everything.
— Rudy W. Giuliani (@RudyGiuliani) December 7, 2020
Update 5:41pm Pt, December 6: Shortly after Donald Trump revealed that Rudy Giuliani tested positive for Covid-19, the lawyer was admitted to MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington.
It is still unknown when Giuliani tested positive for the coronavirus.
- 12/7/2020
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Sinclair Broadcasting, one of the nation’s largest operators of local TV stations, said on Saturday it would delay its planned presentation of a news report featuring commentators offering discredited conspiracy theories about the nation’s coronavirus pandemic, after the piece drew scrutiny and pushback.
“We will spend the coming days bringing together other viewpoints and provide additional context,” the Hunt Valley, Maryland, company said in a statement Saturday afternoon. “All stations have been notified not to air this and will instead be re-airing last week’s episode in its place.”
The move suggests the company reversed its planned course. Sinclair earlier in the day indicated the piece would air. “We’re a supporter of free speech and a marketplace of ideas and viewpoints, even if incredibly controversial,” the broadcaster said in a statement earlier in the day. Sinclair owns, operates or provides services to 191 TV stations in 89 U.S.
“We will spend the coming days bringing together other viewpoints and provide additional context,” the Hunt Valley, Maryland, company said in a statement Saturday afternoon. “All stations have been notified not to air this and will instead be re-airing last week’s episode in its place.”
The move suggests the company reversed its planned course. Sinclair earlier in the day indicated the piece would air. “We’re a supporter of free speech and a marketplace of ideas and viewpoints, even if incredibly controversial,” the broadcaster said in a statement earlier in the day. Sinclair owns, operates or provides services to 191 TV stations in 89 U.S.
- 7/25/2020
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Sinclair Broadcast Group has decided to scrap the political commentary segments that have aired across its vast station group since 2017.
Boris Epshteyn, former Trump campaign official turned chief political analyst for Sinclair, has been delivering commentary segments that were mandated to run adjacent to local newscasts on all Sinclair stations since the spring of 2017. In January, Sinclair hired liberal commentator Ameshia Cross to offer another political perspective. Epshteyn and Cross’ segments have typically run back-to-back on a weekly basis. Both will have their final segments air on Dec. 13.
The news, first reported by NBC News.com, raised immediate speculation that Epshteyn would return to the Trump orbit for the 2020 presidential campaign. But a knowledgeable source said Epshteyn would remain with Sinclair and possibly have an on-air role. A company spokesman said Sinclair and Epshteyn are still discussing options. Cross also may stay associated with Sinclair in some fashion.
The spokesman...
Boris Epshteyn, former Trump campaign official turned chief political analyst for Sinclair, has been delivering commentary segments that were mandated to run adjacent to local newscasts on all Sinclair stations since the spring of 2017. In January, Sinclair hired liberal commentator Ameshia Cross to offer another political perspective. Epshteyn and Cross’ segments have typically run back-to-back on a weekly basis. Both will have their final segments air on Dec. 13.
The news, first reported by NBC News.com, raised immediate speculation that Epshteyn would return to the Trump orbit for the 2020 presidential campaign. But a knowledgeable source said Epshteyn would remain with Sinclair and possibly have an on-air role. A company spokesman said Sinclair and Epshteyn are still discussing options. Cross also may stay associated with Sinclair in some fashion.
The spokesman...
- 12/11/2019
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Sinclair Broadcast Group is ending its political commentary segments, most prominently those featuring former Trump administration official Boris Epshteyn.
NBC News first reported on Sinclair’s announcement, in which the station group said that it will be devoting more resources to investigative journalism. This Friday will be the final commentary segment featuring Epshteyn and Ameshia Cross, who was hired earlier this year as a Democratic counterweight.
Epshteyn, who has the title of chief political correspondent, is remaining with the company to work on other efforts.
“I’m thankful to be a part of @WeAreSinclair and to have produced poignant and insightful commentary for these last two plus years. I look forward to continuing to work with this great company,” Epshteyn wrote on Twitter.
Sinclair is among the largest station groups, with 193 stations. The commentaries were mandatory segments for newscasts across the country.
“We have to shine a light on our value proposition every quarter hour,...
NBC News first reported on Sinclair’s announcement, in which the station group said that it will be devoting more resources to investigative journalism. This Friday will be the final commentary segment featuring Epshteyn and Ameshia Cross, who was hired earlier this year as a Democratic counterweight.
Epshteyn, who has the title of chief political correspondent, is remaining with the company to work on other efforts.
“I’m thankful to be a part of @WeAreSinclair and to have produced poignant and insightful commentary for these last two plus years. I look forward to continuing to work with this great company,” Epshteyn wrote on Twitter.
Sinclair is among the largest station groups, with 193 stations. The commentaries were mandatory segments for newscasts across the country.
“We have to shine a light on our value proposition every quarter hour,...
- 12/11/2019
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
In a bid to focus less on politics and more on investigative journalism, Sinclair Broadcasting Group dropped chief political analyst Boris Epshteyn, according to a Wednesday report from NBC News. Epshteyn previously held roles in President Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign and the Trump administration.
NBC News also reports Epshteyn will be taking on “a sales-focused role with the company,” a source familiar with the matter told TheWrap.
Also Read: Nancy Pelosi Shades Sinclair After Reporter's 'Really Disgusting' Question: 'Is That a News Source?'
Sinclair owns about 200 local news outlets around the country and those outlets had to treat Epshteyn’s commentary segments as “must-run” programming. In April 2018, he defended his “Bottom Line With Boris” commentary, saying, “In terms of my analysis playing during your local news, as you see, my segments are very clearly marked as commentary. The same cannot be said for cable and broadcast news hosts who...
NBC News also reports Epshteyn will be taking on “a sales-focused role with the company,” a source familiar with the matter told TheWrap.
Also Read: Nancy Pelosi Shades Sinclair After Reporter's 'Really Disgusting' Question: 'Is That a News Source?'
Sinclair owns about 200 local news outlets around the country and those outlets had to treat Epshteyn’s commentary segments as “must-run” programming. In April 2018, he defended his “Bottom Line With Boris” commentary, saying, “In terms of my analysis playing during your local news, as you see, my segments are very clearly marked as commentary. The same cannot be said for cable and broadcast news hosts who...
- 12/11/2019
- by Lindsey Ellefson
- The Wrap
Sinclair Broadcast Group will stop producing the must-run political commentary segments that have attracted the company a lot of criticism since former Trump White House staffer Boris Epshteyn began hosting them.
In addition to Epshteyn, who will be moving to a "sales-focused role with the company," Sinclair recently hired Ameshia Cross to present the Democratic perspective in the network's political commentary.
Instead, Sinclair will be focusing more resources on local investigative journalism.
"We have to shine a light on our value proposition every quarter hour, in every newscast," the company on Wednesday told staff ...
In addition to Epshteyn, who will be moving to a "sales-focused role with the company," Sinclair recently hired Ameshia Cross to present the Democratic perspective in the network's political commentary.
Instead, Sinclair will be focusing more resources on local investigative journalism.
"We have to shine a light on our value proposition every quarter hour, in every newscast," the company on Wednesday told staff ...
- 12/11/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
CNN host Don Lemon took heat on Thursday and Friday after doubling down on his show’s criticism of rapper Kanye West. On Thursday evening, Lemon said West’s Oval Office meeting with President Trump reminded him of a “minstrel show” and brought up West’s dead mother to make his point.
“What I saw was a Minstrel show today,” Lemon said making an unusual appearance on “The Situation Room.” “This was an embarrassment, Kanye’s mother is rolling over in her grave.”
West’s mother, Donda West, died in 2007 after botched cosmetic surgery.
Also Read: CNN Panel Mocks Kanye West as Trump's 'Token Negro,' Don Lemon Laughs (Video)
“The president of the United States [is] exploiting him and I don’t mean this in a disparaging way, exploiting someone who needs help, who needs to back away from the cameras, who needs to get off stage, who needs to deal with his issues,...
“What I saw was a Minstrel show today,” Lemon said making an unusual appearance on “The Situation Room.” “This was an embarrassment, Kanye’s mother is rolling over in her grave.”
West’s mother, Donda West, died in 2007 after botched cosmetic surgery.
Also Read: CNN Panel Mocks Kanye West as Trump's 'Token Negro,' Don Lemon Laughs (Video)
“The president of the United States [is] exploiting him and I don’t mean this in a disparaging way, exploiting someone who needs help, who needs to back away from the cameras, who needs to get off stage, who needs to deal with his issues,...
- 10/12/2018
- by Jon Levine
- The Wrap
Washington — Chris Ruddy, the CEO of Newsmax, said that Tribune Media’s withdrawal from its acquisition by Sinclair Broadcast Group confirmed that Sinclair “failed to respect the regulatory review process and the rule of law, as it relates to market concentration and media ownership.”
Ruddy was among a handful of conservative news outlets that opposed the Sinclair transaction, but he was perhaps the most vocal and visible.
“When Newsmax began its opposition to this merger, we were told it was virtually “guaranteed” and could not be stopped,” Ruddy said in a statement. “I like taking on hopeless causes, especially when I believe the facts and good sense argue for such a cause.”
Ruddy also is a friend of President Donald Trump’s, and told the New York Post that he had discussed it with him.
The president, though, expressed dismay at the FCC’s decision to not approve the transaction...
Ruddy was among a handful of conservative news outlets that opposed the Sinclair transaction, but he was perhaps the most vocal and visible.
“When Newsmax began its opposition to this merger, we were told it was virtually “guaranteed” and could not be stopped,” Ruddy said in a statement. “I like taking on hopeless causes, especially when I believe the facts and good sense argue for such a cause.”
Ruddy also is a friend of President Donald Trump’s, and told the New York Post that he had discussed it with him.
The president, though, expressed dismay at the FCC’s decision to not approve the transaction...
- 8/9/2018
- by Ted Johnson
- Variety Film + TV
Tribune Media has filed a lawsuit against Sinclair Broadcast Group and bailed out of the long-pending sale agreement in the face of opposition from the FCC and questions about whether Sinclair tried to mislead the government with its divestiture plan.
Tribune cited Sinclair’s “unnecessarily aggressive and protracted negotiations with the Department of Justice and the Federal Communications Commission” in the regulatory review of the merger as the reason for the suit, filed Thursday in Delaware Chancery Court.
“In light of the FCC’s unanimous decision, referring the issue of Sinclair’s conduct for a hearing before an administrative law judge, our merger cannot be completed within an acceptable timeframe, if ever,” said Peter Kern, Tribune Media CEO. “This uncertainty and delay would be detrimental to our company and our shareholders. Accordingly, we have exercised our right to terminate the Merger Agreement, and, by way of our lawsuit, intend to hold Sinclair accountable.
Tribune cited Sinclair’s “unnecessarily aggressive and protracted negotiations with the Department of Justice and the Federal Communications Commission” in the regulatory review of the merger as the reason for the suit, filed Thursday in Delaware Chancery Court.
“In light of the FCC’s unanimous decision, referring the issue of Sinclair’s conduct for a hearing before an administrative law judge, our merger cannot be completed within an acceptable timeframe, if ever,” said Peter Kern, Tribune Media CEO. “This uncertainty and delay would be detrimental to our company and our shareholders. Accordingly, we have exercised our right to terminate the Merger Agreement, and, by way of our lawsuit, intend to hold Sinclair accountable.
- 8/9/2018
- by Ted Johnson and Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Washington — Sinclair Broadcast Group and Tribune Media face a midnight deadline on whether to continue to pursue their $3.9 billion merger deal despite the FCC’s refusal to approve the transaction.
The sides have the ability to walk away after today, per the terms of the initial agreement inked in May 2017. Sinclair would not comment on the status of the deal during its second quarter earnings call with Wall Street analysts on Wednesday morning.
The growing consensus in the marketplace is that Sinclair will give up on the effort to buy all of Tribune’s 42 stations and Wgn America cable channel. That raises the possibility that Tribune would move to sell off its stations in piecemeal fashion, which could still leave openings for Sinclair.
“In regards to the acquisition of Tribune Media Company, we are working with them to analyze approaches to the regulatory process that are in the best interest of our companies,...
The sides have the ability to walk away after today, per the terms of the initial agreement inked in May 2017. Sinclair would not comment on the status of the deal during its second quarter earnings call with Wall Street analysts on Wednesday morning.
The growing consensus in the marketplace is that Sinclair will give up on the effort to buy all of Tribune’s 42 stations and Wgn America cable channel. That raises the possibility that Tribune would move to sell off its stations in piecemeal fashion, which could still leave openings for Sinclair.
“In regards to the acquisition of Tribune Media Company, we are working with them to analyze approaches to the regulatory process that are in the best interest of our companies,...
- 8/8/2018
- by Ted Johnson
- Variety Film + TV
Washington — President Trump weighed in on Sinclair Broadcast Group’s controversial acquisition of Tribune Media, calling the FCC’s refusal to approve the deal “sad and unfair.”
“So sad and unfair that the FCC wouldn’t approve the Sinclair Broadcast merger with Tribune,” Trump wrote on Twitter. “This would have been a great and much needed Conservative voice for and of the People. Liberal Fake News NBC and Comcast gets approved, much bigger, but not Sinclair. Disgraceful!”
So sad and unfair that the FCC wouldn’t approve the Sinclair Broadcast merger with Tribune. This would have been a great and much needed Conservative voice for and of the People. Liberal Fake News NBC and Comcast gets approved, much bigger, but not Sinclair. Disgraceful!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 25, 2018
Last week, FCC chairman Ajit Pai said that he had “serious concerns” about the $3.9 billion transaction, and proposed sending the merger to...
“So sad and unfair that the FCC wouldn’t approve the Sinclair Broadcast merger with Tribune,” Trump wrote on Twitter. “This would have been a great and much needed Conservative voice for and of the People. Liberal Fake News NBC and Comcast gets approved, much bigger, but not Sinclair. Disgraceful!”
So sad and unfair that the FCC wouldn’t approve the Sinclair Broadcast merger with Tribune. This would have been a great and much needed Conservative voice for and of the People. Liberal Fake News NBC and Comcast gets approved, much bigger, but not Sinclair. Disgraceful!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 25, 2018
Last week, FCC chairman Ajit Pai said that he had “serious concerns” about the $3.9 billion transaction, and proposed sending the merger to...
- 7/25/2018
- by Ted Johnson
- Variety Film + TV
Donald Trump’s most winning week of his presidency continued today with Justice Anthony Kennedy announcing his pending retirement from the Supreme Court, and Hollywood types are making their feelings known about it. The mostly unsurprising news came hours after Scotus struck down a pro-union Illinois law and a day after it upheld Trump’s Muslim travel ban.
Kennedy has been the swing vote on a divided court since he was nominated by President Reagan in 1988 and confirmed on a 97-0 Senate vote. While left-leaners are un-thrilled about his siding with the conservative majority in the two crucial decisions this week – and his votes on key states-rights issues over the decades — he has been the key deciding vote in many progressive causes. They include Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992), which preserved the foundation of legal abortion from Roe v. Wade; the majority decision upholding affirmative action; and a series of gay-rights rulings, most famously the freedom of same-sex marriage via Obergefell v. Hodges three years ago.
Here is a sampling of reaction to Kennedy’s announcement from showbiz people, TV news pundits, some prominent politicians and others. We’ll add to the post as they come in, so refresh for the latest.
Okay yes I love the Handmaids Tale – that doesn’t mean I want to live in it. https://t.co/JkGnZbH088
— Whitney Cummings (@WhitneyCummings) June 27, 2018
#JusticeKennedy was no flaming liberal. He wrote the majority opinion on #CitizensUnited that allowed Corporations to pump as much money into political elections as they want. He also elected George Bush in 2000.
— Bette Midler (@BetteMidler) June 27, 2018
Justice Kennedy retiring – great opportunity to make America great again!
— Jeanine Pirro (@JudgeJeanine) June 27, 2018
The illegitimate Potus will now try to ram a Scotus nominee through before Nov. So much for that McConnell rule. Calling on two principled Republicans to stand up against tyranny.
— Rob Reiner (@robreiner) June 27, 2018
Please vote, people. https://t.co/rE781IYzZU
— Chelsea Handler (@chelseahandler) June 27, 2018
#RIPSupremeCourt
— Andy Cohen (@Andy) June 27, 2018
Anyone that heard @HardballChris this afternoon brilliantly & passionately imploring Democrats to do everything to hold up any replacement for Justice Kennedy until after a new Senate is seated in January (like McConnell did with Garland), knows what needs to be done.
— Ken Olin (@kenolin1) June 27, 2018
Wanna puke? This is from April 2017.
Trump’s hidden back channel to Justice Kennedy: Their kids https://t.co/Ly0kNxVDJm h/t @TierneyODea
— rob delaney (@robdelaney) June 27, 2018
I don't understand. Kennedy cares about Lgtb rights. He cares about balance and justice. How can he do this? How can he want that guy to name his replacement?
— Eden Riegel (@edenriegel) June 27, 2018
Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy announced today that he will be retiring. It is Congress’ duty to confirm @realDonaldTrump’s pick to fill Justice Kennedy’s seat in a timely manner.
— Boris Epshteyn (@BorisEP) June 27, 2018
When it comes time to decide on a replacement for Justice Kennedy, I hope that my Republican colleagues who believe that women, not the government, have the right to control their bodies will stand with those of us who oppose any nominee who would deny women the right to choose.
— Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) June 27, 2018
Justice Kennedy retiring… If you are deeply disturbed, absorb the shock. But respond with even more determination. If you see this as a fight for the future of democracy, let those in power know that the will of the majority can still hold sway. https://t.co/lcKhiAgKao
— Dan Rather (@DanRather) June 27, 2018
There is no single vacancy in the entire federal government with more long term consequences than Justice Kennedy’s seat — his replacement could decide some of America’s largest questions for a generation or more.
— Ari Melber (@AriMelber) June 27, 2018
The winner of the 2020 election will most likely have the opportunity to appoint 2 Scotus Justices, if not 3. If Mr. Trump is re-elected, there will likely be a 7-2 majority opposed to women’s rights, voting rights, and equality for at least 15 yrs. #WakeUp
— Michael Avenatti (@MichaelAvenatti) June 27, 2018
Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy is retiring. Among other things, his replacement will likely overturn Roe v. Wade, which will allow states to prohibit abortion. The consequences of the 2016 election have never been more stark.
— Renato Mariotti (@renato_mariotti) June 27, 2018
Omg! Just when you thought this week couldn't get more lit… I give you Anthony Kennedy's retirement from #Scotus
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) June 27, 2018
To every progressive in 2016 who said that elections don’t matter, that both parties are corrupt, or that there’s no difference between Hilary and Trump, welcome to the post Anthony Kennedy, Trump-dominated Supreme Court.
— Keith Boykin (@keithboykin) June 27, 2018
Anthony Kennedy is retiring. Abortion will be illegal in twenty states in 18 months. #Scotus
— Jeffrey Toobin (@JeffreyToobin) June 27, 2018
Center-right Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy to retire. The @Gop is licking their chops to appoint a hard right judge. Dems should say no confirmation hearing until after November. That’s payback for the Merrick Garland appointment. Dems better be prepared to go to war Now.
— rolandsmartin (@rolandsmartin) June 27, 2018
We are now living with the horrible consequences of people out there who chose not to vote in 2016. You didn’t “love” Hillary, u sat out in protest, u wanted Bernie, u assumed she’d win, u just couldn’t get to the polls that day. Don’t blame Trump voters – they voted.
— billy eichner (@billyeichner) June 26, 2018
Amen! https://t.co/PnbAZD8L5w
— Debra Messing (@DebraMessing) June 27, 2018
Supreme Court Now
Completely Right Wing
“trumps Supreme Court”Will Take Away Our Rightsroe V.Wade,Gay Rights,Too Many To Listthis Blow Couldn’T Be More Severeif We Dont Fight Like Our Lives Depend On It,
“Some Americans ”Could Find “Themselves”In Internment Camps
— Cher (@cher) June 27, 2018
Rip "lit." Also, America. https://t.co/vLsf4KJXbJ
— The Daily Show (@TheDailyShow) June 27, 2018
Greg Evans contributed to this report.
Kennedy has been the swing vote on a divided court since he was nominated by President Reagan in 1988 and confirmed on a 97-0 Senate vote. While left-leaners are un-thrilled about his siding with the conservative majority in the two crucial decisions this week – and his votes on key states-rights issues over the decades — he has been the key deciding vote in many progressive causes. They include Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992), which preserved the foundation of legal abortion from Roe v. Wade; the majority decision upholding affirmative action; and a series of gay-rights rulings, most famously the freedom of same-sex marriage via Obergefell v. Hodges three years ago.
Here is a sampling of reaction to Kennedy’s announcement from showbiz people, TV news pundits, some prominent politicians and others. We’ll add to the post as they come in, so refresh for the latest.
Okay yes I love the Handmaids Tale – that doesn’t mean I want to live in it. https://t.co/JkGnZbH088
— Whitney Cummings (@WhitneyCummings) June 27, 2018
#JusticeKennedy was no flaming liberal. He wrote the majority opinion on #CitizensUnited that allowed Corporations to pump as much money into political elections as they want. He also elected George Bush in 2000.
— Bette Midler (@BetteMidler) June 27, 2018
Justice Kennedy retiring – great opportunity to make America great again!
— Jeanine Pirro (@JudgeJeanine) June 27, 2018
The illegitimate Potus will now try to ram a Scotus nominee through before Nov. So much for that McConnell rule. Calling on two principled Republicans to stand up against tyranny.
— Rob Reiner (@robreiner) June 27, 2018
Please vote, people. https://t.co/rE781IYzZU
— Chelsea Handler (@chelseahandler) June 27, 2018
#RIPSupremeCourt
— Andy Cohen (@Andy) June 27, 2018
Anyone that heard @HardballChris this afternoon brilliantly & passionately imploring Democrats to do everything to hold up any replacement for Justice Kennedy until after a new Senate is seated in January (like McConnell did with Garland), knows what needs to be done.
— Ken Olin (@kenolin1) June 27, 2018
Wanna puke? This is from April 2017.
Trump’s hidden back channel to Justice Kennedy: Their kids https://t.co/Ly0kNxVDJm h/t @TierneyODea
— rob delaney (@robdelaney) June 27, 2018
I don't understand. Kennedy cares about Lgtb rights. He cares about balance and justice. How can he do this? How can he want that guy to name his replacement?
— Eden Riegel (@edenriegel) June 27, 2018
Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy announced today that he will be retiring. It is Congress’ duty to confirm @realDonaldTrump’s pick to fill Justice Kennedy’s seat in a timely manner.
— Boris Epshteyn (@BorisEP) June 27, 2018
When it comes time to decide on a replacement for Justice Kennedy, I hope that my Republican colleagues who believe that women, not the government, have the right to control their bodies will stand with those of us who oppose any nominee who would deny women the right to choose.
— Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) June 27, 2018
Justice Kennedy retiring… If you are deeply disturbed, absorb the shock. But respond with even more determination. If you see this as a fight for the future of democracy, let those in power know that the will of the majority can still hold sway. https://t.co/lcKhiAgKao
— Dan Rather (@DanRather) June 27, 2018
There is no single vacancy in the entire federal government with more long term consequences than Justice Kennedy’s seat — his replacement could decide some of America’s largest questions for a generation or more.
— Ari Melber (@AriMelber) June 27, 2018
The winner of the 2020 election will most likely have the opportunity to appoint 2 Scotus Justices, if not 3. If Mr. Trump is re-elected, there will likely be a 7-2 majority opposed to women’s rights, voting rights, and equality for at least 15 yrs. #WakeUp
— Michael Avenatti (@MichaelAvenatti) June 27, 2018
Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy is retiring. Among other things, his replacement will likely overturn Roe v. Wade, which will allow states to prohibit abortion. The consequences of the 2016 election have never been more stark.
— Renato Mariotti (@renato_mariotti) June 27, 2018
Omg! Just when you thought this week couldn't get more lit… I give you Anthony Kennedy's retirement from #Scotus
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) June 27, 2018
To every progressive in 2016 who said that elections don’t matter, that both parties are corrupt, or that there’s no difference between Hilary and Trump, welcome to the post Anthony Kennedy, Trump-dominated Supreme Court.
— Keith Boykin (@keithboykin) June 27, 2018
Anthony Kennedy is retiring. Abortion will be illegal in twenty states in 18 months. #Scotus
— Jeffrey Toobin (@JeffreyToobin) June 27, 2018
Center-right Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy to retire. The @Gop is licking their chops to appoint a hard right judge. Dems should say no confirmation hearing until after November. That’s payback for the Merrick Garland appointment. Dems better be prepared to go to war Now.
— rolandsmartin (@rolandsmartin) June 27, 2018
We are now living with the horrible consequences of people out there who chose not to vote in 2016. You didn’t “love” Hillary, u sat out in protest, u wanted Bernie, u assumed she’d win, u just couldn’t get to the polls that day. Don’t blame Trump voters – they voted.
— billy eichner (@billyeichner) June 26, 2018
Amen! https://t.co/PnbAZD8L5w
— Debra Messing (@DebraMessing) June 27, 2018
Supreme Court Now
Completely Right Wing
“trumps Supreme Court”Will Take Away Our Rightsroe V.Wade,Gay Rights,Too Many To Listthis Blow Couldn’T Be More Severeif We Dont Fight Like Our Lives Depend On It,
“Some Americans ”Could Find “Themselves”In Internment Camps
— Cher (@cher) June 27, 2018
Rip "lit." Also, America. https://t.co/vLsf4KJXbJ
— The Daily Show (@TheDailyShow) June 27, 2018
Greg Evans contributed to this report.
- 6/27/2018
- by Erik Pedersen and Lisa de Moraes
- Deadline Film + TV
Sinclair Broadcasting has hired Kaelan Dorr as the company’s new “executive political producer,” who will work alongside the channel’s political guru Boris Epshteyn and his “must run” segment for the channel’s local stations: “Bottom Line With Boris.”
Dorr is a veteran of the Trump administration, first working on the 2016 campaign and then serving in the White House as director of congressional communications for over a year.
“I’m proud to announce I’ve joined Sinclair Broadcast Group as Executive Political Producer!,” said Dorr in a tweet Tuesday, adding that he was “eager to bring my unique experience as a campaign veteran and Trump Wh alum to an already stellar group.”
Also Read: Sinclair Strikes Back With Attack Ad Slamming CNN's 'Hypocrisy' (Video)
Some Personal News:
I’m proud to announce I’ve joined Sinclair Broadcast Group as Executive Political Producer! I’ll be working on Bottom Line With @BorisEP,...
Dorr is a veteran of the Trump administration, first working on the 2016 campaign and then serving in the White House as director of congressional communications for over a year.
“I’m proud to announce I’ve joined Sinclair Broadcast Group as Executive Political Producer!,” said Dorr in a tweet Tuesday, adding that he was “eager to bring my unique experience as a campaign veteran and Trump Wh alum to an already stellar group.”
Also Read: Sinclair Strikes Back With Attack Ad Slamming CNN's 'Hypocrisy' (Video)
Some Personal News:
I’m proud to announce I’ve joined Sinclair Broadcast Group as Executive Political Producer! I’ll be working on Bottom Line With @BorisEP,...
- 5/29/2018
- by Jon Levine
- The Wrap
Boris Epshteyn, a former Trump campaign staffer and current senior political analyst for Sinclair Broadcast Group, struck back on Wednesday in the latest installment of his segment “Bottom Line With Boris.”
Epshteyn’s commentary is a “must-run” segment on Sinclair-owned local news stations around the country.
“In term of my analysis playing during your local news, as you see my segments are very clearly marked as commentary,” said Epshteyn. “The same cannot be said for cable and broadcast news hosts who inject their opinions and bias into news coverage all the time, without drawing any lines between them.”
Also Read: Sinclair's Media-Bashing Promo May Bring Consumer Boycott, Employee Walkout
“I’m in the analysis, opinion and commentary business,” Epshteyn insisted.
“Some critics would have you believe that my experience somehow disqualifies me from providing you with my analysis and commentary, but here’s a question: Wouldn’t you want someone talking to you about politics only if he had actually worked in politics and knew the people he was talking about?”
Epshteyn, a longtime fixture in Republican politics, has been prominent in recent years for his work on the Trump campaign and later in the White House.
Also Read: SAG-AFTRA Slams Sinclair for Spreading 'Fake News,' and 'Misdirected Criticism' of Journalists
Epshteyn’s commentary broadly repeated many of the same themes of an anti-media script Sinclair has forced its news anchors to read on-air. Those talking points, which came to wide attention thanks to this viral mashup from Deadspin, are not marked as commentary.
Watch above.
Read original story Sinclair Political Analyst Defends ‘Must Run’ Commentaries on Local Stations, Bashes Rivals (Video) At TheWrap...
Epshteyn’s commentary is a “must-run” segment on Sinclair-owned local news stations around the country.
“In term of my analysis playing during your local news, as you see my segments are very clearly marked as commentary,” said Epshteyn. “The same cannot be said for cable and broadcast news hosts who inject their opinions and bias into news coverage all the time, without drawing any lines between them.”
Also Read: Sinclair's Media-Bashing Promo May Bring Consumer Boycott, Employee Walkout
“I’m in the analysis, opinion and commentary business,” Epshteyn insisted.
“Some critics would have you believe that my experience somehow disqualifies me from providing you with my analysis and commentary, but here’s a question: Wouldn’t you want someone talking to you about politics only if he had actually worked in politics and knew the people he was talking about?”
Epshteyn, a longtime fixture in Republican politics, has been prominent in recent years for his work on the Trump campaign and later in the White House.
Also Read: SAG-AFTRA Slams Sinclair for Spreading 'Fake News,' and 'Misdirected Criticism' of Journalists
Epshteyn’s commentary broadly repeated many of the same themes of an anti-media script Sinclair has forced its news anchors to read on-air. Those talking points, which came to wide attention thanks to this viral mashup from Deadspin, are not marked as commentary.
Watch above.
Read original story Sinclair Political Analyst Defends ‘Must Run’ Commentaries on Local Stations, Bashes Rivals (Video) At TheWrap...
- 4/5/2018
- by Jon Levine
- The Wrap
John Oliver explored the disturbing trend of biased local news on Sunday's Last Week Tonight.
The host showed how Sinclair Broadcast Group – the largest owner of local TV stations in the country – forces stations to air "must-run" segments, which tend to promote conservative viewpoints. One of these segments included a scripted anchor statement that echoed President Trump's derision of mainstream media as "fake."
According to Oliver, Sinclair also feeds its stations other conservative-slanted segments, like one featuring Trump's controversial former aide, Boris Epshteyn.
Sinclair has faced a wide backlash over its media-bashing promos,...
The host showed how Sinclair Broadcast Group – the largest owner of local TV stations in the country – forces stations to air "must-run" segments, which tend to promote conservative viewpoints. One of these segments included a scripted anchor statement that echoed President Trump's derision of mainstream media as "fake."
According to Oliver, Sinclair also feeds its stations other conservative-slanted segments, like one featuring Trump's controversial former aide, Boris Epshteyn.
Sinclair has faced a wide backlash over its media-bashing promos,...
- 4/2/2018
- Rollingstone.com
John Oliver opened Sunday’s Last Week Tonight with an update on his chilling 2017 report about Sinclair Broadcast Group, which has been forcing local news anchors to read propaganda scripts written by the company. Those local anchors are comparing themselves to Pow’s being forced to record propaganda messages.
Oliver last year warned viewers about Sinclair Broadcasting which could own local stations representing 72% of the country’s TV households if its Tribune stations buy is approved. In that July 2017 report Oliver revealed the extreme-right “must run” stories the company is forcing station managers to include in broadcasts. Those reports included an “investigation” into the “deep state” that is “undermining” President Donald Trump, and a script describing the FBI as having a “personal vendetta” against Michael Flynn.
These “must run” segments also include batshit commentary by former Donald Trump adviser Boris Epshteyn, the Russian-born political strategist who now is Sinclair’s “chief political analyst.
Oliver last year warned viewers about Sinclair Broadcasting which could own local stations representing 72% of the country’s TV households if its Tribune stations buy is approved. In that July 2017 report Oliver revealed the extreme-right “must run” stories the company is forcing station managers to include in broadcasts. Those reports included an “investigation” into the “deep state” that is “undermining” President Donald Trump, and a script describing the FBI as having a “personal vendetta” against Michael Flynn.
These “must run” segments also include batshit commentary by former Donald Trump adviser Boris Epshteyn, the Russian-born political strategist who now is Sinclair’s “chief political analyst.
- 4/2/2018
- by Lisa de Moraes
- Deadline Film + TV
Earlier this year, CNN’s Brian Stelter reported that Sinclair Broadcast Group, the largest owner of local news stations in the country with over 200 owned or operated, would be requiring local news anchors to read a scripted promo that reflects a mistrust of the media. Some in the news industry expressed outrage at the time, but the anger has ignited Twitter in recent days after Deadspin created a compilation video showing dozens of newscasters reading the same promo.
The spot includes language painting the Sinclair-owned local news stations as the heralds of real news and refers to other media outlets as publishing “fake stories…stories that just aren’t true, without checking facts first.” The language reflects President Donald Trump’s insistence that the mainstream news media is “fake” and that certain narratives are pushed for political reasons. “Unfortunately, some members of the media use their platforms to push their...
The spot includes language painting the Sinclair-owned local news stations as the heralds of real news and refers to other media outlets as publishing “fake stories…stories that just aren’t true, without checking facts first.” The language reflects President Donald Trump’s insistence that the mainstream news media is “fake” and that certain narratives are pushed for political reasons. “Unfortunately, some members of the media use their platforms to push their...
- 4/1/2018
- by Erin Nyren
- Variety Film + TV
John Oliver looked at the troubling conservative takeover of unbiased local news broadcasts on Last Week Tonight.
"Our main story tonight concerns the potential problems in corporate consolidation of local news, don't you dare change the channel," Oliver warned.
"Sinclair [Broadcast Group] may be the most influential media company that you've never heard of: Not only are they the largest owner of local TV stations in the country, they could soon get ever bigger," Oliver said, referring to Sinclair's $4 billion acquisition of Tribune Media's 42 local stations.
Last Week Tonight discovered that when...
"Our main story tonight concerns the potential problems in corporate consolidation of local news, don't you dare change the channel," Oliver warned.
"Sinclair [Broadcast Group] may be the most influential media company that you've never heard of: Not only are they the largest owner of local TV stations in the country, they could soon get ever bigger," Oliver said, referring to Sinclair's $4 billion acquisition of Tribune Media's 42 local stations.
Last Week Tonight discovered that when...
- 7/3/2017
- Rollingstone.com
Updated with video: Boris Epshteyn, the former Donald Trump adviser who’s now a public face for Sinclair Broadcast Group, insists his new boss is “straight down the middle” politically, repeatedly drawing gasps and laughs on HBO’s Real Time With Bill Maher tonight. “That’s not true,” Epshteyn said when Maher described Sinclair as wanting “to be to the right of Fox News.” “Fox is a cable channel,” Epshteyn said. “This is different.” Sinclair, he said, provides local…...
- 5/20/2017
- Deadline TV
On tonight’s Real Time with Bill Maher, the show goes highbrow as Maher hosts a cross-section of intellects. The renewed series continues into its 15th season as Maher opens with his patented monologue and ushers in the top-of-the-show interview guest, political analyst Boris Epshteyn. Russian-born Epshteyn is a former Trump media wrangler, Gop political strategist, investment banker, and attorney. He was responsible for writing the White House’s statement commemorating International Holocaust Memorial Day that failed to note the 6 million Jews killed by the Nazis. This prompted the odious white nationalist Richard Spencer to blog and praise the Holocaust “de-Judification” Politico...read more...
- 5/19/2017
- by April Neale
- Monsters and Critics
Donald Trump, the business mogul turned reality star who defied the odds to win the 2016 election, will be inaugurated as the 45th president of the United States on Friday.
People is offer a live stream of the day’s events.
An estimated 800,00 people are expected to be in or around the Capitol for the swearing in of Trump and Vice President Mike Pence by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts Jr. at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.
Trump, 70, will place his hand on two copies of the Bible — one once owned by President Abraham Lincoln and the...
People is offer a live stream of the day’s events.
An estimated 800,00 people are expected to be in or around the Capitol for the swearing in of Trump and Vice President Mike Pence by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts Jr. at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.
Trump, 70, will place his hand on two copies of the Bible — one once owned by President Abraham Lincoln and the...
- 1/20/2017
- by Stephanie Petit
- PEOPLE.com
(Update: Jennifer Holliday’s rep says she has not yet committed to performing, despite the Trump team’s announcement.) Toby Keith, 3 Doors Down and Jennifer Holliday are set to perform at a Donald Trump inauguration concert event in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 19. The musicians are the main attractions for the “Make America Great Again! Welcome Celebration,” which the Trump Inaugural Committee announced Friday, along with an event called “Voices of the People.” Both will be held at the Lincoln Memorial. Can't wait for @TobyKeithMusic, @LadyJHOLLIDAY, @3doorsdown, etc. and remarks from @realDonaldTrump at the #Maga Welcome Celebration! — Boris Epshteyn (@BorisEP) January 13, 2017 Also Read:.
- 1/13/2017
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
An 89-year-old man who has announced every inauguration parade since Dwight D. Eisenhower’s second term in 1956 is “heartbroken” after President-elect Donald Trump benched him in favor of a new lead announcer.
Charles Brotman told CNN‘s Carol Costello on Monday that he thought he “was going to commit suicide” when he first read an email from the Trump transition team telling him he would not be the announcer at the president-elect’s inauguration on Jan. 20.
“I looked at my email, then I got the shock of my life,” Brotman said. “I felt like Muhammad Ali had hit me in the stomach.
Charles Brotman told CNN‘s Carol Costello on Monday that he thought he “was going to commit suicide” when he first read an email from the Trump transition team telling him he would not be the announcer at the president-elect’s inauguration on Jan. 20.
“I looked at my email, then I got the shock of my life,” Brotman said. “I felt like Muhammad Ali had hit me in the stomach.
- 1/9/2017
- by Tierney McAfee
- PEOPLE.com
A spokesman for Donald Trump’s Presidential Inaugural Committee denied have any trouble booking celebrity performers during an appearance on CNN Tuesday morning, and promised more performers will be announced soon. “Are you guys having trouble finding celebrities to participate in the Inauguration as has been reported?” Don Lemon asked Boris Epshteyn, the director of communications for the committee. “Not at all, Don,” Epshteyn said. “This is not Woodstock. It’s not Summer Jam. It’s not a concert, it’s not about the celebrities… It’s about the people.” Also Read: Alec Baldwin Offers to Perform 'Highway to Hell...
- 12/27/2016
- by Brian Flood
- The Wrap
Donald Trump’s inaugural committee has lined up another performer for the January ceremony, TheWrap has learned. The Radio City Rockettes will join the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the 16-year-old former “America’s Got Talent” alum Jackie Evancho in performing at the Jan. 20 ceremony. “Americans from all over the country are eager to participate in the inaugural events. Just this week we were excited to announce that the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and The Radio City Rockettes will be taking part in the 58th inaugural,” the inaugural committee’s Director of Communications Boris Epshteyn said in a statement to TheWrap. “The inauguration as a.
- 12/23/2016
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
Those yearning to change the channel on the 2016 election now have a new program to avoid.
Donald Trump‘s campaign launched its own nightly newscast on Facebook Live Monday night, further fueling speculation that the Gop nominee is planning to build a Fox News-like media empire to capitalize on his fervent fanbase if he loses the election on Nov. 8.
Trump, however, attempted to quash those rumors Tuesday morning when he spoke to Cincinnati radio station 700Wlw.
“No, I have no interest in Trump TV,” he said. “I hear it all over the place. I have a tremendous fan base,...
Donald Trump‘s campaign launched its own nightly newscast on Facebook Live Monday night, further fueling speculation that the Gop nominee is planning to build a Fox News-like media empire to capitalize on his fervent fanbase if he loses the election on Nov. 8.
Trump, however, attempted to quash those rumors Tuesday morning when he spoke to Cincinnati radio station 700Wlw.
“No, I have no interest in Trump TV,” he said. “I hear it all over the place. I have a tremendous fan base,...
- 10/25/2016
- by Tierney McAfee
- PEOPLE.com
The Trump campaign tonight kicked off a live Facebook program that some are speculating it’s a test drive for Trump TV network. The nightly campaign coverage will air every night at 6:30 Pm Et, which, in one of those incredible coincidences, is the same time for most network nightly newscasts. Tonight’s show was hosted by Trump campaign advisers Boris Epshteyn and Cliff Sims. In an economy move, the show was livestreamed via Facebook Live from the Gop candidate’s war room…...
- 10/25/2016
- Deadline TV
Donald Trump is ramping up his campaign with the launch of a nightly show on Facebook Live. The inaugural airing of Trump Tower Live kicked off the beginning of a series of nightly shows on the Gop nominee's Facebook page Monday night, starting at 6:30 p.m. E.T, that will air from now through Election Day. The first show, which drew more than 50,000 viewers, was hosted by campaign advisers Boris Epshteyn and Cliff Sims from the "war room" at Trump Tower, along with Trump's campaign manager KellyAnne Conway, adviser Jason Miller and Tomi Lahren, a conservative commentator
read more...
read more...
- 10/25/2016
- by Arlene Washington
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Is Donald Trump launching his own nightly news program? The Trump campaign began broadcasting the first installment of what it’s calling a nightly news show on Facebook Live on Monday. The show will be broadcast on Trump’s Facebook page at 6:30 p.m. Et until Nov. 8 and will be hosted by campaign advisors Boris Epshteyn and Cliff Sims, as well as The Blaze commentator Tomi Lahren. Also Read: Stephen Colbert Pitches Potential Trump TV Programming (Video) The show’s first guests are campaign manager Kellyanne Conway and adviser Jason Miller, according to Wired. It will stream Trump’s...
- 10/25/2016
- by Itay Hod
- The Wrap
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