Kurtz: Hannity acknowledged he “probably should have” disclosed ties to Dem-bashing guest

Written by Jeremy Cluchey

Published

According to Washington Post media critic Howard Kurtz, FOX News host Sean Hannity acknowledged that he “probably should have” told his viewers that he sits on the advisory board of frequent Hannity & Colmes guest Reverend Jesse Lee Peterson's Brotherhood Organization of a New Destiny (BOND). Media Matters for America noted Hannity's ties to Peterson following his November 29, 2004, appearance on Hannity & Colmes, in which Peterson attacked Reverend Jesse Jackson; condemned liberals as “racist towards black Americans”; falsely claimed that no blacks were disenfranchised in the 2000 election; and erroneously suggested that Senator John Kerry supported reparations for slavery in the 2004 presidential campaign.

Kurtz noted in his January 24 “Media Notes” column that Hannity did not disclose his connection to Peterson's organization during the reverend's most recent appearance on Hannity & Colmes January 17. Kurtz wrote: “Nor did he mention it on Peterson's 12 previous appearances on the program since 2002.”

From The Washington Post's “Media Notes” column:

Co-host Sean Hannity defended Peterson against criticism from the other guest, Ron Daniels of the Center for Constitutional Rights. “Jesse has devoted -- let me finish -- his adult life to building homes and giving opportunity and finding work and developing skills for young African-American men. Isn't that true, Jesse?” He even suggested that Daniels “donate” money to Peterson's group. ... Hannity says he has mentioned the link on his radio show and “I probably should have done it that night. If I had it to do over again, I would.” He says he took the non-paying position with BOND after the group gave him an award several years ago and “it's not something I've ever hidden.” Hannity says his suggestion that Daniels make a donation was just tongue-in-cheek.

Following Peterson's November 29, 2004, appearance on Hannity & Colmes, Media Matters for America noted that Hannity is a strong supporter of Peterson and a member of BOND's advisory board. On the BOND website, Hannity is quoted as saying Peterson is “a great American. He is a man of conscience with a bold prescription to make America a better place.” According to the BOND website, Hannity also claimed that the organization “continues to fight the good fight standing for the values of God, family, and country, and are deserving of our support.”