We might find out.
I filed this complaint today with the Illinois Election Commission:
Steve Sandvoss
Executive Director, Illinois State Board of Elections
2329 S. MacArthur Blvd., Springfield IL, 62704
2329 S. MacArthur Blvd., Springfield IL, 62704
I am writing pertaining to local elections in Bloomington and Normal and the local media. The Pantagraph is the local newspaper, WJBC is the biggest news radio station.
From the State Board of Elections Guide to Campaign Disclosure:
An individual who makes independent expenditures supporting or opposing a particular candidate does not qualify as a committee, but is required to file a special written disclosure with the Board if the independent expenditures total more than $3,000 in a 12-month period.
- Endorsing a candidate’s views (done regularly by WJBC and Pantagraph): Sec. 5/9-1.5 “a payment, distribution, purchase, loan, advance, deposit, gift of money, or anything of value, in connection with the nomination for election, election, or retention of any person to or in public office or in connection with any question of public policy;”
- This is “something of value” in connection with the election for mayor
- WJBC and Pantagraph need to file as an independent expenditure committee
- Sec 5/9-1.15 reads:
- ““Independent expenditure” means any payment, gift, donation, or expenditure of funds (i) by a natural person or political committee for the purpose of making electioneering communications or of expressly advocating for or against the nomination for election, election, retention, or defeat of a clearly identifiable public official or candidate or for or against any question of public policy to be submitted to the voters and (ii) that is not made in connection, consultation, or concert with or at the request or suggestion of the public official or candidate, the public official’s or candidate’s designated political committee or campaign, or the agent or agents of the public official, candidate, or political committee or campaign.”
- They are advocating for and against the nomination and election of a candidate for the office of mayor
In less than 2 years, the Pantagraph has been paid $338,493.91 and WJBC has been paid $148,965.78 for advertising from local government. Because of this cozy relationship, neither outlet reports real news or they spin it to cover the actions of the current elected officials. Closer to the upcoming local elections both will most likely issue their recommendations on who to vote for. In the past they have always supported the candidates who approve of government-funded entertainment. Obviously, they are protecting their incomes.
I’m asking that both be stopped from editorializing on the upcoming elections because both have a financial interest in the outcome. Receiving government funding without disclosing to the public the financial relationship should disqualify any rights they have as a free press.
Diane Benjamin
Would it help to point to a concrete example to prove your case with each outlet? This sounds kind of general.
What about WGLT? They are part of the University, the Asst. News Director is Renners pal an he also sits on the County Board.Then there’s that old fella McBride from WJBC who a Normal Alderman.
Checks aren’t made out to WGLT, so I don’t know how much money they get. Somebody could FOIA payment to ISU to see what they are for.