John, I remember – as I’m sure you do, too – how I felt on January 6th, 2021 as a violent and racist mob stormed the Capitol: shocked, outraged, and frightened about what this meant for our country.
Television channels covered the deadly riot for hours, scrapping most of their planned programming. [1] These networks knew that the public needed and had a right to witness the day’s horrific events with their own eyes.
Now, the House Select Committee that has spent nearly a year investigating the attack will hold a series of high-profile public hearings about its findings with key witnesses in June. We’re urging networks to once again prioritize our right to be informed – and broadcast these hearings in full.
Sign the Petition: Tell broadcast television networks like ABC, CBS, and NBC to air the January 6th House investigators’ hearings live and in prime time >>
John, we deserve to hear and see the Committee’s hearings firsthand – because we have a right to participate in any calls for accountability and make informed decisions about what comes next for our country.
Just consider this historical example: when impeachment proceedings against President Nixon began, the public wasn't convinced. But by the time he left office, people from all parties were overwhelmingly in support of his removal.
What changed? A major factor was PBS's decision to broadcast the Watergate hearings in full – 247 hours in total. Millions of viewers tuned in as the story of the Watergate break-in and the cover-up unfolded before their eyes, hearing testimony from presidential advisors, the attorney general, former spies, and more.
A strong democracy needs an informed public. And especially today – when our political climate is marked by disinformation and distractions that would be unheard of in the 1970s – the only way to cut through the noise is with the absolute, unvarnished truth.
Add Your Name: Networks must put our democracy first – and commit to televising the January 6th House Select Committee’s upcoming hearings live and in prime time.
If you believe that we deserve ALL of the facts – and that everyone who helped incite or plan the deadly attack on our Capitol should be held accountable – I hope you’ll speak out today.
With thanks for all you do,
Devon Nir, Digital Strategies Manager
and the team at Common Cause
1) https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/tv-news-scramble-capitol-trump-insurrection-protest-1234879851/
