Promoting Islam panel, 9News failed to identify Young Republican sponsorship

Summary: On July 24, KUSA 9News co-anchor Kirk Montgomery reported on an upcoming forum, "Islam in Current Affairs," but he did not identify the event's host: the Denver Metro Young Republicans.

After stating on July 24 that "[t]he Islamic faith is often in the news, primarily in discussions over politics and peace in the Middle East," KUSA 9News at 4 p.m. co-anchor Kirk Montgomery reported on a public forum that "organizers describe[d] ... as a two-hour class on Islam 101." Montgomery, however, never identified the Denver Metro Young Republicans (DMYR) as the host of the event, "Islam in Current Affairs." Moreover, although it aired an interview with the organizer of the panel discussion, Geoff Blue, 9News failed to note that Blue is president of the DMYR.

From the July 24 broadcast of KUSA's 9News at 4 p.m.:

MONTGOMERY: The Islamic faith is often in the news, primarily in discussions over politics and peace in the Middle East. Well tonight, some of the Metro area's foremost experts on the subject are holding a forum that is open to the public. The organizers describe the event as a two-hour class on Islam 101.

GEOFF BLUE ("Islam in Current Affairs" organizer): Islam is having a major impact in the world these days, especially in the Middle East and with the war in Iraq. And we realized also that a lot of us don't have a good understanding of Islam itself, what Islam is, what its principles are.

MONTGOMERY: Tonight's panel discussion, called "Islam in Current Affairs," begins at 6 o'clock. It's at the Sheraton Hotel on the east side of Hampden and I-25. Members of the audience will have an opportunity to also ask questions.

As stated on DMYR's website, Blue "has been a member of the Denver Metro Young Republicans for four years and is a firm supporter of the Republican party"; he currently serves as president of the organization's 10-member board. The site further confirms that DMYR organized the July 24 event, which was to be moderated by 9News political reporter, Adam Schrager:

Denver Metro Young Republicans will host a panel discussion on Islam in current affairs on Tuesday, July 24, 2007. If you are interested in better understanding what Islam is and how its elements affect events in the news, please join us for an informative and lively discussion with three recognized experts.

—J.S.W.