October 20, 2004

REP. DILLON WANTS TO KNOW IF STATE HOLDS
CONTROVERSIAL BROADCASTER’S STOCK

Representative Patricia Dillon (D-New Haven) today asked State Treasurer Denise Nappier to investigate the state’s stock portfolios for shares of Sinclair Broadcasting.

Sinclair has backed off its original plan to order all of its 62 television stations across the United States to air "Stolen Honor: Wounds that Never Heal," a film that has been described as an anti-John Kerry political ad produced with the same content and actors as the controversial swift boat 527 ads. Instead the company will air a "news" special on its attempt to run the film.

Rep. Dillon said, "This is a company with a clear political agenda that is trying to influence the Presidential election. Residents have a right to know if Connecticut holds Sinclair stock in any of its portfolios either directly or indirectly. Sinclair’s political decision is potentially impacting our portfolio and share values by surrendering ad revenues in favor of an hour-long political ad."

Stock values for Sinclair have plummeted over the past weeks.

Representative Dillon was first elected to the General Assembly in 1984. She is Deputy Majority Whip and serves on the Public Health, Appropriations and Judiciary Committees. Rep. Dillon chairs the Health and Hospitals Subcommittee on Appropriations.