Sinclair Broadcast Group orders its affiliates to preempt regular programming for anti-Kerry film

The conservative Sinclair Broadcast Group, whose television outlets reach nearly a quarter of the nation's homes, is ordering its affiliates to preempt regular programming just days before the election to run a film attacking John Kerry, the Los Angeles Times reports.

Follow this chain.

The film, "Stolen Honor," was made by Washington Times reporter Carlton Sherwood, whose previous work includes the book Inquisition which seeks to vindicate cult leader (and Washington Times owner) Reverend Sun Myung Moon.

Inquisition was published by right-wing organ Regnery Publishing. Regnery publishes high-class fare such as Dangerous Diplomacy: How the State Department Undermines America's Security, a book of Antonin Scalia's dissenting opinions, and God, Guns & Rock and Roll by Ted Nugent.

As for Sinclear, here's a bit of its background:

Last April, Sinclair ordered seven of its affiliates not to air Ted Koppell's roll call of the military dead in Iraq.

The LA Times writes: "Even before the 'Nightline' controversy, Sinclair drew criticism because of the combination of its highly centralized news operations, which often include conservative commentary, and its almost exclusively Republican political giving. In the 2004 political cycle, Sinclair executives have given nearly $68,000 in political contributions, 97% to Republicans, ranking it 12th among top radio and TV station group contributors, according to the Center for Responsive Politics, a campaign finance watchdog group."

If you live in a city with a Sinclair affiliate, I strongly encourage you to call and complain to the station and their advertisers.