Sinclair Broadcast Group has put an end to airing political commentary segments from former Donald Trump aide Boris Epshteyn and others.
The final “must-run” segments end Friday. The move is part of Sinclair’s efforts to shift away from political commentary in favor of investigative reporting, according to NBC News.
NBC quoted from a memo to Sinclair staffers that said “we will be expanding our local investigative journalism footprint in our daily newscasts. We are excited to dedicate more time in our newscasts to report on critical and relevant issues.”
Reax to Sinclair dropping commentary segments: "The mood and energy is really lifted today," a longtime staffer says. "While there's still some concerns over content being right-leaning, this is a step in the right direction." https://t.co/yLuq4at4E5
— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) December 11, 2019
Epshteyn’s segments, called “Bottom Line With Boris,” were known as “must-runs,” meaning Sinclair’s local stations were obligated to air them. Sinclair, which owns about 200 local stations nationwide, hired Epshteyn, a former Trump campaign official, in 2017, saying he would “provide additional political content that goes beyond the podium to provide a true point of difference.”
In January, Sinclair hired liberal commentator Ameshia Cross to offer another political perspective.
Interestingly people keep asking how I'm doing. I'm fine. Change is a natural part of the life cycle. I've weathered the storm of family separation due to incarceration, the cancer death of my mom, suicide of my brother & w/ God's grace & favor keep rising. Thanks for the love
— Ameshia Cross (@AmeshiaCross) December 11, 2019
Epshteyn’s commentary on the network raised eyebrows, especially his remarks comparing illegal immigration to an “attempted invasion” after highlighting footage of border authorities using tear gas on illegal immigrants.
NEW: Sinclair stations are now airing a Boris Epshteyn "must-run" segment defending tear-gassing children at the border. https://t.co/Xo78RMHzZV pic.twitter.com/wWaBlHO7Wc
— Pam Vogel (@pamela_vogel) November 27, 2018
Epshteyn declined to comment on the move. He tweeted that he was thankful to be a part of Sinclair and to have “produced poignant and insightful commentary the past two plus years.”
I'm thankful to be a part of @WeAreSinclair and to have produced poignant and insightful commentary for these last two plus years.
— Boris Epshteyn (@BorisEP) December 11, 2019
I look forward to continuing to work with this great company.
In Western Pennsylvania, Sinclair owns WPGH and WPNT.
