Broadcaster censors 'abortion' from Gosnell movie promo

Kermit Gosnell

A columnist for the Daily Beast contends media outlets cannot have it both ways: be a fair representation of a free press and still be "fighting back" against President Trump.

"Either you are a combatant (equal with the other fighter) or you are an observer (operating with different rules)," wrote Matt Lewis

He was referring to a new media scandal in which National Public Radio, which previously has reported on the Kermit Gosnell case and described him as an abortionist, insisted on censoring "abortionist" from a promotion for a new movie about the case.

"We in the media cannot control Trump's behavior, but we can rise to the occasion and try to prove to conservative Americans that they can trust us," wrote Lewis.  "That starts with an admission of bias and a promise to do better."

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He cited yet another scandal just this week, when the New York Times implied that U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley had had $52,000 in drapes installed in her official residence in New York when they actually were ordered and purchased by the Obama administration.

"Those of us trying to defend a free press (whether it's The New York Times or NPR) against Trump's claims about 'fake news' have a simple message for the mainstream media: Please quit proving him right!"

The tax-funded NPR censored a promotion for the new movie "Gosnell: The Trial of America's Biggest serial Killer."

John Sullivan, executive producer, was interested in sponsoring NPR's "Fresh Air."

Lewis said Sullivan "was prepared to spend as much as six figures" and "crafted his ad copy to answer the question you're probably asking: Who is Gosnell?

The proposed ad was as follows: "Support for this NPR program comes from the film 'Gosnell: The Trial of America’s Biggest Serial Killer.' The film is the true story of abortionist Kermit Gosnell. A story the mainstream media tried to cover up because it reveals the truth about abortion."

However, according to emails obtained by the Beast, NPR refused.

"The word 'abortionist' will also need to be changed to the neutral word 'doctor,'" one email stated.

Sullivan proposed "abortion doctor."

But NPR still refused, stating it would only allow "Philadelphia doctor Kermit Gosnell."

Film producer Phelim McAleer protested: "Our movie isn't about a podiatrist or a cardiologist or a proctologist. It's specifically about a doctor who performs abortions."

NPR's Isabel Lara said NPR demands sponsor credits to be "value neutral."

But that explains little, Lewis wrote, because NPR itself had run stories with headlines like "Joyce Carol Oates' New Novel Begins With an Abortion Doctor's Murder" and "Abortion Doctor Killer Appeals to Kansas High Court."

Lewis reported "Gosnell" producer Ann McElhinney pointed out that NPR gets tax money.

"They have a duty to push aside their own prejudices and opinions and apply fair and consistent standards and allow paid advertising even if the ads are promoting something they would rather remain hidden from their listeners," she said.

Gosnell, who operated an abortion business described as filthy, scary and dangerous, was found guilty of three counts of murder killing babies after they were born alive.

He used metal tools to cut their spinal cords.

Gosnell also was convicted of involuntary manslaughter for a patient who died as well as more than 200 counts of violating state law regarding abortion.

He's serving a life term in prison.