Kercheval Declines Comment on George Johnson FCC Complaint
By David M. KinchenEditor, Huntington News Network
Hinton, WV (HNN) – MetroNews Vice President and newscaster Hoppy Kercheval has “no comment” on the complaint to the Federal Communications Commission filed by Republican U.S. Senate candidate George D. Johnson. The complaint names Kercheval and West Virginia Radio Corp.
Contacted by HNN Editor David M. Kinchen Thursday, Oct. 6, 2005, by telephone, Kercheval declined to comment on Johnson’s complaint that Johnson says stems from his seeking equal access to Kercheval's "Statewide Talkline" program following appearances by another GOP U.S. Senate candidate, Hiram Lewis. Both Lewis and Johnson are from Morgantown, which is also where Kercheval is based.
"Hoppy Kercheval indicated to me in a personal conversation at the Greer Building that there would be no problem in having me on his show, in light of the fact that he had already twice interviewed one of my opponents, Hiram Lewis, on his show," Johnson said in a press release. "I was impressed by his sense of fair play at the time, which is why his subsequent decision to invoke a clause from the FCC regarding bona fide news programs as exceptions to the equal access rule is so disappointing and petty. How else will the public learn about other political views if the media refuses to give equal access to different candidates?"
Johnson said that he is challenging Kercheval's assertion that the "Statewide Talkline" program is a bona fide news program under the exception given in the FCC rules. "I think the FCC will see that Kercheval's program is a lot like a cheap hotdog--not much meat and a lot of filler," said Johnson.
"It's a shame it has had to come to this, but at some point, some members of the media need to be reminded that their license to broadcast is a privilege, not a right, that carries with it certain responsibilities to the public--especially in federal election campaigns," said Johnson. "Basic fair play is still important, and if Kercheval has decided to play favorites so obviously in this campaign, then the public deserves to ask "Why?"
"West Virginians have always been for basic fairness, and I hope they will support me in trying to bring fairness back to Kercheval's show," said Johnson. "You may not always agree with everything I stand for, but we all need to stand up for free speech, fair play, and the exchange of ideas. Heaven knows our beloved state needs it. Kercheval has a responsibility as the only statewide, non-sports radio host to play evenhandedly in federal elections."