Las Vegas NowFCC Compliant Filed Against 3 Local Television Stations

FCC Compliant Filed Against 3 Local Television Stations

KLAS-TV, Channel 8 is categorically denying that it was ever paid to provide news coverage.

Valley Broadcasting, the owner of Channel 3 has filed an FCC complaint against Channel 8, KVVU, and KTNV. The complaint alleges the three stations entered into agreements with Arrowhead Advertising and United Dodge Chrysler Jeep to run advertisements posing as news reports. The complaint says it happened in early June when Chrysler was forcing dealers to liquidate their inventories.

Valley broadcasting claims it was told by Arrowhead that it would not buy advertising on the station unless Channel 3 promised to run stories on the sale.

Arrowhead's CEO denies the allegation, saying, "I not only categorically deny that accusation, but I also find it laughable."

Still Journal Broadcasting, owners of KTNV, Channel 13, said in a statement, in part, "Although the advertising agency representing the client at issue did request news coverage for the client as part of the advertising buy, KTNV declined to provide such news coverage as part of the media buy."

Channel 8 General Manager Emily Neilson said, "Our agreements with advertisers never includes guarantees of news coverage. Journalistic ethics are a core principal at KLAS. Decisions about news coverage are determined solely by news management."

KVVU had no comment. KVBC General Manager Lisa Howfield declined comment, and company owner Jim Rogers could not be reached for a statement.