Schwarzenegger: Releasing Videos as "News"

Governor Schwarzenegger also has been using videos that look like news to promote his Administration's policies. Is this a Republican strategy?


As reported in the online edition of the Kansas City Star:

Aides to Schwarzenegger acknowledge using state money to produce "video news releases," or VNRs, that cast an entirely favorable light on some of the administration's most controversial policies.

The videos resemble local television news stories, complete with a suggested introductory script for anchors to read. They're distributed via satellite for stations to use as they wish. There were no reports of any station using one in its entirety.

What has happened to our government? The right-wing attacks liberals as being controlled by "Hollywood" as shown on this Hollywood billboard attacking so-called "Hollywood liberals", and yet it is the Republicans who doctor the news, whether it be the "Terminator" in California, or the Bush Administration in Washington. It is they who release videos purporting to be news, allow a phoney reporter to be in the Washington Press Pool, arrange Town Meetings with pre-screened citizens, hold rallies with only supporters allowed, and fail even to meet the press in regular news conferences.

America needs new leadership. It needs a new political party leading us. And we need John Kerry to take that role for us. Keep that door open John! America and the White House is calling!

Bob