Charbonnet complains to CNBC's The Deed, FCC claims Sidney Torres violated law, contract

The Charbonnet campaign has just launched a public relations scud missile upon its new public rival, television personalality Torres-- claiming violation of contract and law. This latest salvo will surely raise the heat so much higher and the flames somuch brighter upon a New Orleans Mayor’s race that has otherwise lackied in spark.  

The sideshow is clearly the most exciting game in town.

Today, the Charbonnet campaign released an email press release claiming Torres has violated FCC and CNBC contract provisions.

Last week, Charbonnet pulled out of the forum sponsored by Torres.  Charbonnet claimed that she did so because there were ethical concerns that she has not heretofore detailed. Torres responded by threatening to run TV ads against her and in fact, has done so.

Yesterday, the brawl between the two turned even uglier making claim and cross claims about their respective alleged relationship with disgraced and imprisoned former New Orleans Mayor, C. Ray Nagin.

Desiree Charbonnet, Sidney Torres in New Orleans Mayor's race hand to hand combat

Today, the Charbonnet forwarded the below press email along with a copy of a letter sent to CNBC and to the FCC. Here is that coverletter followed by the actual dispatch to CNBC and the federal government. 

How much publicity is too much? For Sidney Torres, the answer has traditionally been that there can never be too much time in front of the camera. But his intense political activities violate FCC rules, and are now receiving new scrutiny. The Desiree Charbonnet campaign has filed a formal complaint with CNBC, where Torres is a reality TV personality, and sent a copy of the complaint to the FCC.

“This election is too important for the future of New Orleans to let a reality TV star hijack it for personal gain,” said Kevin Stuart, Charbonnet campaign senior media advisor. “Sidney Torres has already made too much money and garnered too much fame on the backs of the people of New Orleans. Now he’s violating the law.”

 A copy of the letter sent to the FCC is attached. The package included substantiating materials: links to Voice PAC’s advertisements, news articles about Voice PAC’s activities, and the press release from the Charbonnet campaign detailing its withdrawal from Voice PAC’s forum.

Here is the letter to CNBC:           

CNBC

900 Sylvan Avenue

Englewood, Cliffs, New Jersey 07632

RE: Complaint “The Deed”

   Sidney Torres, IV

To Whom It May Concern:

       This is a formal complaint to CNBC regarding the improper political

activities of Sidney Torres, IV, who is the primary and recurring lead personality

of the reality television series, “The Deed.” This series is carried on your cable

network. The improper political activities of Mr. Torres and his Political PAC,

“Voice PAC” violate the terms and provisions of CNBC’s license with the FCC

and the guidelines established by the League of Women voters for fair and

impartial debates. And on information and beliefs, Mr. Torres has also violated

provisions of his contract with CNBC.

STATEMENT OF FACTS

      The televised debate sponsored by Sidney Torres, IV and his “Voice PAC”

was held on Wednesday, September 27, 2017. Four candidates in the Primary

Election scheduled for October 14, 2017 were invited to participate in the debate.

The candidates are Desiree Charbonnet, LaToya Cantrell, Michael Bagneris and

Troy Henry.

       Desiree Charbonnet agreed to participate in the debate after representatives

of her campaign agreed in writing to the debate format and members of a panel of

journalists who would ask questions of the candidates.

        Within 24 hours of the scheduled debate, two of the mutually agreed upon

journalists dropped out the debate. One was a journalist from WVUE-TV, the local

FOX affiliate station and the other journalist was from WDSU-TV, the local NBC

affiliate station. Both stations had “ethical concerns” about Mr. Torres’ personal

participation in the debate and misleading and contradictory statements he made to

the stations about the debate.

      When Ms. Charbonnet learned of the withdrawal of the two respected

journalists from the debate, she also withdrew. (See attached statement.)

      The debate proceeded with three candidates and an empty podium reserved

for Ms. Charbonnet. During the debate, Mr. Torres personally asked questions

which prompted the remaining three candidates to criticize Ms. Charbonnet during

the debate.

       After the debate, Mr. Torres threatened to spend $200,000 on television ads

targeting Ms. Charbonnet. His first anti-Charbonnet attack aired twice Sunday,

October 1, 2017 during a NFL football game. More ads are scheduled to air during

the election.

       Mr. Sidney Torres’ actions during and following, the debate of September

27, 2017 constitute prohibited political activity and improper electioneering in

violation of FCC rules and regulations governing cable and TV broadcasting. His

use of the empty podium during the debate and in his anti-Charbonnet attack ads

violate the guidelines established by the League of Women Voters for “empty

chair” debates.

       Because of Mr. Torres’ improper and retaliatory political activities, his

reality TV show “The Deed” should be immediately cancelled and not aired on

CNBC.

Sincerely,

Kevin E. Stuart, Ph.D.

President, Teddlie Stuart Media Partners, Inc.

Senior Media Advisors to the Charbonnet for Mayor Campaign Committee

cc:

Federal Communications Commission

445 12th Street, S.W.

Washington, DC 20554

Attachments