By Andrew Wallenstein in Hollywood Reporter:
"Sinclair Broadcast Group is conducting an internal inquiry into an appearance made on one of its news programs by political pundit Armstrong Williams.
Williams admitted last week he received more than $240,000 from the Department of Education to promote its No Child Left Behind initiative, a relationship he did not disclose to networks where he had discussed the subject, including CNN, as well as in his newspaper column syndicated by Tribune Media Services. Tribune has since terminated his column.
Barry Faber, general counsel for Sinclair, a station group with holdings in 39 U.S. markets, disclosed that Williams was under contract last year as an independent consultant to the company and is believed to have interviewed Education Secretary Rod Paige on a Sinclair-produced nightly news program, "News Central," about No Child Left Behind. But he asserted that Sinclair had no knowledge of Williams' relationship with the Education Department.But Williams said he expects to continue producing "Side," a daily hourlong syndicated news program on which he has discussed newsworthy subjects from a conservative standpoint for the past four years. Through his company, Right Side Prods., Williams syndicates "Side" to a handful of network affiliates in the Southeast, including UPN affiliate WWMB in Myrtle Beach, S.C. None of the stations could be reached at press time, but Williams said they all will continue to air "Side."
He also said "Side" will continue to air on Christian-themed cable networks including Christian Television Network, Liberty Television and Angel Sky. Christian and Angel Sky did not respond to comment; Liberty declined comment."
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