Sinclair to delay airing of interview with researcher in conspiracy video, ‘Plandemic’

Sinclair Broadcasting announced Saturday that it will delay the airing of a segment with the conspiracy theorists behind the widely circulated video titled “Plandemic.”

“Plandemic,” a video widely circulated and taken down numerous times earlier in the year, suggests Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top expert on infectious diseases and key member of the White House coronavirus task force, is responsible for the creation of the novel disease.

The video, which was produced by anti-vaccine activist Judy Mikovits, presents unsubstantiated conspiracy theories about the coronavirus, including that it was invented in a laboratory in order to promote vaccinations.

The video was blocked on several major platforms, including Facebook and Twitter. 

“America This Week” host Eric Bolling interviewed Mikovits and her attorney, Larry Klayman, a right-wing lawyer and founder of the conservative legal organization Freedom Watch, in the segment that was supposed to run Sunday on Sinclair Broadcast Group’s expansive network of local television stations. 

The network received backlash on social media after CNN and other outlets reported the network’s plan to air the interview. The segment was first reported by liberal media watchdog Media Matters. 

In a statement on Twitter Saturday morning, the network said it heard feedback on the segment and defended the decision, adding they also brought on a medical expert in the segment to debunk the theory. 

Hours later, the network said that they would delay the airing and “rework” the segment.

“After further review, we have decided to delay this episode’s airing,” they said. “We will spend the coming days bringing together other viewpoints and provide additional context. All stations have been notified not to air this and will instead be re-airing last week’s episode in its place.”

After further review, we have decided to delay this episode’s airing. We will spend the coming days bringing together other viewpoints and provide additional context. All stations have been notified not to air this and will instead be re-airing last week’s episode in its place.

— Sinclair Broadcast Group (@WeAreSinclair) July 25, 2020

In the segment, Bolling refers to Mikovits as “an expert in virology,” according to Media Matters. CNN reported that throughout the segment, the on-screen graphic read, “DID DR. FAUCI CREATE COVID-19?”

Bolling told CNN he invited Mikovits to challenge her view, but according to CNN, he did not do so in the segment.

The station added that they “valiantly support Dr. Fauci and the work he and his team are doing to further prevent the spread of COVID-19 and are proud to have welcomed him to ‘America This Week’ as well as our stations via our national bureau to update and inform viewers.”