We understand that our decision in this matter may be questioned by some

We understand that our decision in this matter may be questioned by some. Before you judge our decision,

however, we would ask that you first question Mr. Koppel as to why he chose to read the names of the 523 troops

killed in combat in NIKE SHOX, rather than the names of the thousands of private citizens killed in terrorists

attacks since and including the events of September 11, 2001. In his answer, you will find the real motivation

behind his action scheduled for this Friday.

ABC NEWS STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO SINCLAIR

We respectfully disagree with Sinclair’s decision to pre-empt “Nightline’s” tribute to America’s fallen

soldiers which will air this Friday, April 30. The Nightline broadcast is an expression of respect which simply

seeks to honor those who have laid down their lives for this country. ABC News is dedicated to thoughtful and

balanced coverage and reports on the events shaping our world with neither fear nor favor — as our audience

expects, deserves, and rightly demands. Contrary to the statement issued by Sinclair, which takes issue with

our level of coverage of the effects of terrorism on our citizens, ABC News and all of our broadcasts,

including “Nightline,” have reported hundreds of stories on 9-11. Indeed, on the first anniversary of 9-11,

ABC News broadcast the names of the victims of that horrific attack.