While the Olympics are in full swing in Vancouver, Bob Ehrlich is playing his own winter games here in Maryland. It has now been 11 days since Ehrlich was first asked about his possible violation of the FCC’s “payola rules” and the public STILL hasn’t received a straight answer. However, Ehrlich continues to bring home the gold for team Womble Carlyle.
The all-but-announced candidate has a three-year record of influence peddling at Womble Carlyle that includes promoting at least one of his clients on television without disclosing his relationship as required by the FCC’s “payola rules.”
Perhaps Ehrlich thinks that our “allegations didn’t deserve the dignity of a response.” However, it’s clear that he’s playing games with his answers as his spokesman Henry Fawell admitted he didn’t know whether they had disclosed that Ehrlich had a financial stake before pushing his client’s position.
So while Ehrlich continues his appearances on Hannity, FOX45 and WBAL, without responding to important questions, we’re going to continue looking for answers as we’re sure Marylanders would like to know.
What is he hiding?
Who are his other clients?
Are there other instances where he promoted clients over the airwaves without properly disclosing the relationship?
If he didn’t violate FCC rules, why not say so? If he did violate FCC rules, he needs to own up to it.
Ehrlich Radio: We listen so you don't have to.
I wouldn’t normally call Bob Ehrlich silent given his frequent television and radio appearances, but it’s been 5 days since Ehrlich was asked about his possible violation of the FCC’s “Payola Rules” and the public still hasn’t received a straight answer.
However, he did have time to go on his talk radio show on Saturday morning and hurl “snowballs” while the rest of us dealt with “Snowmageddon.” You’d think that his radio show would be the perfect opportunity to clear the air.
When initially questioned about the complaint, Ehrlich spokesman Henry Fawell said that our “allegations didn’t deserve the dignity of a response,” but later admitted he didn’t know whether they had disclosed that Ehrlich had a financial stake before pushing his client’s position.
The bottom line is that Ehrlich needs to answer whether he put his firm’s financial gain ahead of the public trust. If he didn’t violate FCC rules, he needs to tell us that. If he did violate FCC rules, he needs to own up to it.
What is he hiding?
What does he know that he is refusing to share with the people of Maryland?
Are there other instances where he promoted clients over the airwaves without properly disclosing the relationship?
The public deserves to know.
As Bob Ehrlich continues his extended flirtation with a possible run for Governor, it’s important that the public take a good hard look at what he’s been up to for the last four years. He’s worked as a self-described “rain-maker” for a big North Carolina law firm, and he’s worked as a paid pundit and talk show host in Baltimore. Unfortunately, it appears he may be illegally using his media appearances to help make money for his firm.
Yesterday, the Maryland Democratic Party submitted to the Federal Communications Commission a request for investigation of FOX 45 TV and Robert Ehrlich, Jr., for violations of the FCC’s “Payola Rules.”
In 2009, Ehrlich was paid to promote the position of one of his clients on a highly controversial issue in Maryland: the awarding of a license for a slots machine facility. Mr. Ehrlich promoted that position in the course of a broadcast program on which he regularly appears on WBFF-Fox 45 TV, in Baltimore, Maryland. However, there was no disclosure at all to viewers, either by Mr. Ehrlich or by the station, of the payment made to Mr. Ehrlich to promote his client’s position in the broadcast.
Federal Communications Commission payola rules require he disclose his firm’s interests to avoid the appearance of neutrality, which clearly did not exist. Mr. Ehrlich clearly did not disclose this conflict during the broadcast.
When initially questioned about the complaint, Ehrlich spokesman Henry Fawell said that our “allegations didn’t deserve the dignity of a response,” but later admitted he didn’t know whether they had disclosed that Ehrlich had a financial stake before pushing his client’s position.
Meanwhile, FOX 45 TV is “looking into it” and has indicated that its findings would be aired on the station.
Ehrlich needs to answer whether he put his firm’s financial gain ahead of the public trust. If he didn’t violate FCC rules, he needs to tell us that. If he did violate FCC rules, he needs to own up to it. What is he hiding? What does he know that he is refusing to share with the people of Maryland? Are there other instances where he promoted clients over the airwaves without properly disclosing the relationship?
It’s inappropriate for Bob Ehrlich to use his regular appearances on television and radio to promote his firm’s clients. It violates the public trust; and as a former public official, he should know better.
As he seeks to re-enter public life and seek public office, Bob Ehrlich needs to come clean about his questionable and possibly illegal activity.
