Through the Wire
by Ted Hearn and Kent Gibbons -- Multichannel News, 10/26/2008 8:00:00 PM
Sponsoring NASCAR Driver Gets Martin 'Porker' Award
Federal Communications Commission chairman Kevin Martin won the dubious honor of being named Porker of the Month by Citizens Against Government Waste for using taxpayer money to sponsor a NASCAR driver from North Carolina, Martin's home state.
The organization cited Martin for “using taxpayer funds on an unnecessary project, diverting focus from more important telecommunications concerns, recklessly spending without consulting with his peers and attempting to use his influence to shore up his own political prospects.”
It goes back to Martin's Oct. 16 announcement that the FCC would pay $355,000 to sponsor stock-car racer David Gilliland's No. 38 car, owned by Yates Racing, in three races to raise public awareness about the Feb. 17, 2009, switch to digital TV.
Gilliland's “Digital TV Transition Ford” crashed near the end of the Oct. 19 TUMS QuikPak 500 Sprint Cup race in Martinsville, Va. He finished 32nd out of 43 cars.
Gilliland wrote on his Web site afterward: “I really think we could have brought home a top-20 finish today for our Digital TV Transition Ford, but unfortunately, we got shoved into the wall there right at the end and the damage was just too much to be able to repair in time.”
CAGW said that even though the airwaves have been filled “with paid announcements for months, Martin considered it necessary to use additional taxpayer dollars to pay for the car and driver to bear slogans such as 'Is Your TV ready for Digital?' While spreading public awareness over the transition from analog to digital broadcasting is important, the National Association of Broadcasters has stated that the public is already largely aware of the switch.”
The group also quoted Democratic FCC Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein as saying: “This doesn't seem like the most efficient use of resources.”
Mary Diamond, a Martin spokeswoman in the FCC's Media Bureau, said: “Millions of Americans enjoy NASCAR motor sports. It is America's most popular spectator sport. These fans may not be Commissioner Adelstein's associates but many are at risk of losing their TV signals as a result of the transition.”
CAGW also said “some have suggested” a tie-in with Martin's future plans, which include a run for elected office in his home state. “Gilliland is based in North Carolina, while NASCAR maintains offices in four North Carolina cities. Additionally, Martin chose Wilmington, North Carolina, as the test site for the switch to DTV.”
CAGW said it monthly singles out lawmakers, government officials, and political candidates “who have shown a blatant disregard for the interests of taxpayers.” Other recent recipients: Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.), Rep. John Mica (R-Fla.), and Sen. Christopher Dodd (D-Conn.).
“Considering Martin's ability to sequester taxpayer money for his prospective constituents, he is well on his way to becoming a successful legislative porker,” CAGW said.
Ailes Cracks Wise At 'B&C' Event
The Wire attended Broadcasting & Cable's Hall of Fame ceremony, at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel last Tuesday and, for one-liners, you couldn't top Roger Ailes, the first individual in the alphabetized program.
First he credited CBS's Katie Couric, the fabulous emcee, whom he worked with 20 years ago. “For me it was 20; for her it was 10.”
“I wonder if this is how Elisabeth Hasselbeck feels,” he added after a beat.
He thanked News Corp. chairman Rupert Murdoch for being in his introductory video. “He had to say nice things — the stock price is a little iffy right now.” Ditto Jack Welch, another former boss. “But let's face it, he's not at GE and this is probably a high point for him.”
“With fame comes wealth,” Ailes later advised. “And regardless of the politics of anyone here, we all have financial advisers to help us duck taxes, so, screw Joe the plumber.”
In conclusion: “Fifty years ago, I was digging ditches in Ohio, and tonight I'm getting a hall of fame award in broadcasting. What a great country. I only wanted three things in my life: A great family. A fun job. And to die peacefully in my sleep like my grandfather, not screaming like the other passengers in the car.”
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