The Maryland Democratic Party today submitted to the Federal Communications Commission a request for investigation of Chesapeake Television Licensee and Robert Ehrlich, Jr., for violations of Section 317 (a) of the Communications Act and Sections 73.1212(a) & (d) of Commission Regulations by the Licensee.
As explained in more detail in the formal complaint, Robert Ehrlich was paid to promote the position of one of his clients on a highly controversial issue in Maryland: the awarding of a license for a slots machine facility. Mr. Ehrlich promoted that position in the course of a broadcast program on which he regularly appears on WBFF-Fox 45 TV, in Baltimore, Maryland. However, there was no disclosure at all to viewers, either by Mr. Ehrlich or by the station, of the payment made to Mr. Ehrlich to promote his client’s position in the broadcast.
“It is inappropriate for Bob Ehrlich to use his regular appearances on television and radio to promote his firm's clients. It violates the public trust; and as a former public official, he should know better,” said Maryland Democratic Party Chair Susan Turnbull. “It appears that he has violated Federal Communications Commission rules that require he disclose his firm's interests to avoid the appearance of neutrality that clearly did not exist. Bob Ehrlich needs to explain why he did not disclose his firm’s interest in this instance.”
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As explained in more detail in the formal complaint, Robert Ehrlich was paid to promote the position of one of his clients on a highly controversial issue in Maryland: the awarding of a license for a slots machine facility. Mr. Ehrlich promoted that position in the course of a broadcast program on which he regularly appears on WBFF-Fox 45 TV, in Baltimore, Maryland. However, there was no disclosure at all to viewers, either by Mr. Ehrlich or by the station, of the payment made to Mr. Ehrlich to promote his client’s position in the broadcast.
“It is inappropriate for Bob Ehrlich to use his regular appearances on television and radio to promote his firm's clients. It violates the public trust; and as a former public official, he should know better,” said Maryland Democratic Party Chair Susan Turnbull. “It appears that he has violated Federal Communications Commission rules that require he disclose his firm's interests to avoid the appearance of neutrality that clearly did not exist. Bob Ehrlich needs to explain why he did not disclose his firm’s interest in this instance.”
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