WCPO-9, ABC (TV Station)

WCPO-9 is a Cincinnati, Ohio television station and an affiliate of the ABC television network.

According to the University of Cincinnati's "State of the Medical Center Address," dated April 29, 2003, the university's College of Nursing has a "promotional relationship with WCPO-TV." The relationship was not described further, except to say that Nursing College Dean Andrea R. Lindell was "frequently interviewed by media (newspaper, radio, TV) in relation to nursing shortage." 

Station Owner
The E.W. Scripps Company

Use of Video News Releases and/or Satellite Media Tours
In the 5pm news bulletin on December 14, 2005 the station broadcast an edited and re-voiced video news release (VNR) produced by MultiVu for Steifel Laboratories promoting a new eczema treatment, MimyX cream. The station edited out the contra-indication information included in the original VNR which stated that it should not be used by people with "hypersensitivity to any of the components of the formulation." 

In the midday news bulletin on February 13, 2006 the station broadcast an edited and re-voiced video news release (VNR) produced by Medialink Worldwide for Flower MD on flower tips for Valentine's Day. 

According to the "Healthy Housekeeper" website, WCPO aired an SMT with Laura Dellutri in April 2006. 

Response
After the FCC launched its official investigation into unsourced VNRs on August 11, 2006, WCPO-9 general manager Bill Fee told a Cincinnati reporter, "They [the MimyX and Flower MD VNRs] should have been credited, absolutely." WCPO-9 News Director Bob Morford said, "I can't talk about it. Our FCC attorneys are working on it. We'll respond as per their [FCC] request that we do so." 

But A VNR Can Still Get Aired
The station was documented airing a video news release by the Center for Media and Democracy, in its November 2006 report "Still Not the News: Stations Overwhelmingly Fail to Disclose VNRs.

Contact Details
WCPO-TV 1720 Gilbert Ave., Cincinnati, OH, 45202 Phone: 513-721-9900 Phone (News): 513-852-4071 Phone: 513-852-4001 Fax: 513-721-7717 Web: http://www.wcpo.com/ General Manager: Bill Fee

SourceWatch Resources

 * Audio news releases
 * B-Roll
 * Brand Hype
 * Branded Entertainment
 * Media releases
 * Satellite Media Tours
 * Radio Media Tours
 * Public Service Announcements
 * Video news releases: PR for California's Schwarzenegger administration