In an April 15 post, the Charleston Daily Mail's Don Surber posted an email from Cincinnati Tea Party founder Mike Wilson in which he wrote that Fox News executives “caved and pulled Hannity” from their tea party event because of pressure from Media Matters. Wilson wrote: “Keep in mind that this is what the left wants. This is why Media Matters attacked us and Hannity and started the chain of events that led to Fox pulling him out - it's because they fear the power of our message.” From the email:

Chris made contact with Fox producers and we agreed to work together. He would cover our event for Fox and would broadcast his show from Cincinnati. It worked out for everyone. We got a media spotlight on our message, they got a great backdrop for them to do a show.

We executed our contract with UC and then Fox did the same. While we coordinated schedules for the event, they had no contract with us, nor any financial interest in what went on. At no point was money exchanged between Fox and the Cincinnati Tea Party or Hannity and the Cincinnati Tea Party.

This was the root of the controversy. Earlier today, George Soros funded Media Matters jumped on the fact that we sold tickets to cover the cost of the event as evidence that we and Fox were “profiting” on the event.

Despite knowing clearly that this was not true, Fox caved and pulled Hannity back to New York.

[...]

We continued to work to gain information while the show was on as we were hearing more rumors that Fox had pulled him because of the controversy above. Eventually, Chris spoke to a Fox VP who took responsibility for pulling him because we charged for tickets.

The Fox staff we worked with planning the event knew exactly how it was structured and it was no surprise to anyone that we charged for tickets. In fact, Hannity was well aware as he plugged the event and reminded people to get tickets multiple times on his shows.

[...]

I understand the frustration - I really do. Keep in mind that this is what the left wants. This is why Media Matters attacked us and Hannity and started the chain of events that led to Fox pulling him out - it's because they fear the power of our message.

The full email can be read here.

Previously:

Under fire, “furious” Fox News execs yank Hannity from Tea Party event

Strupp: Hannity Tea Party Show Plan Raises Ethical Eyebrows

Want to “be a part of” Fox's studio audience? Pay $20 to Cincinnati Tea Party