NBC Boasts of Unprecedented Corporate Gift to Al Gore’s ‘Live Earth’ Campaign

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JULY 2, 2007

CONTACT: TIM SCHEIDERER OR COLLEEN O’BOYLE AT 703.683.5004

NBC BOASTS OF UNPRECEDENTED CORPORATE GIFT TO AL GORE’S ‘LIVE EARTH’ CAMPAIGN

ALEXANDRIA, VA – This coming Saturday, July 7, NBC Universal will devote a record 75 hours of coverage to Al Gore’s “Live Earth: The Concerts for a Climate in Crisis,” to raise awareness about the alleged global warming “crisis” as defined by Gore. The coverage will air on seven NBC Universal-owned programs, and Today news anchor Ann Curry will host coverage during NBC’s primetime.

The 75 hours of coverage constitutes unprecedented promotion of one side of a political issue, and the largest in-kind contribution to Al Gore should he decide to run for President in 2008. Although undeclared, Gore ranks No. 3 among Democrats in leading polls on the presidential race.

Jeff Gaspin, president of NBC Universal Cable and Digital Content, declared, “By leveraging all of our properties, we will reach millions of viewers with this important call to action to combat global warming.” Kevin Wall, Live Earth founder and producer, said: “NBC Universal’s sweeping coverage of Live Earth ensures that Americans from coast to coast will be able to tune in to the concerts and take action against the climate crisis.”

In reference to NBC’s unprecedented promotion of Al Gore’s message on climate change, MRC President Brent Bozell issued the following statement:

“This isn’t just a big wet kiss to Al Gore and his left-wing agenda, it’s a shameless acknowledgement of NBC’s bias. Live Earth is nothing more than a photo opportunity, but this concert’s ‘historic’ status is wholly exaggerated by all the hours and hours of free publicity.

“They might as well re-name it Gorestock 2007. It’s tough to deny what comes from the horse’s mouth. NBC is a self-proclaimed liberal cheerleader.”

For the May 31 press release detailing what will air on each NBC Universal channel, see nbcumv.com

To schedule an interview with MRC President Bozell or an MRC spokesperson, please contact Tim Scheiderer (x. 126) or Colleen O’Boyle (x. 122) at 703.683.5004.