(CNN) – NBC News is asking Mitt Romney's presidential campaign to stop airing an anti-Newt Gingrich television ad that utilizes an extended clip from their evening news program.
In a statement Saturday, former NBC "Nightly News" anchor Tom Brokaw, who is featured in the ad reporting on Gingrich's 1997 ethics investigation, said, "I am extremely uncomfortable with the extended use of my personal image in this political ad. I do not want my role as a journalist compromised for political gain by any campaign."
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NBC said Romney's campaign did not seek permission before using the clip.
The NBC legal department sent a letter to the campaign demanding the removal of all NBC News material from their advertisements. NBC said similar requests have gone out in the past when other campaigns "inappropriately" used their material.
A source with the Romney campaign said they are in the process of reviewing the letter, but they believe the clip "falls within fair use."
– CNN Political Producer Rachel Streitfeld contributed to this report.
Also see:
Romney: Gingrich debates complaints like 'Goldilocks'
From CNN Politics
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I'd say tough it's public news about a political figure and it applies now sense that man wants to be President. So if no law is broken I say keep using it.
So Romney and his people decided the big, bad media can maybe help them when they choose to. Mitt, Mitt, Mitt. The Tea Party/GOPer's always like to have it both ways – keep it up guys – it's great...
NBC should just say it they favor Newt Gingrich. Also if the statements are true as they were reported in 1997 then they should be allowed – NBC is just yrying to influence a campaign cycle if you have a opinion and you broadcast it then it's fair game... Sorry, NBC but the truth hurts.
During your news days you could sure dish out the heat and show anything you wanted. Freedom of Speech.
Romney is known for dirty politics – but then he is a "swift boat" Republican and expected to be dishonest and unethical.
During your new days you could dish it out and report on anything. You should know better. Freedom of speech so quit being a crybaby.
I agree with the concept of what NBC is asking but not the practice. As journalist they know everything that is made public is fair game. That free speech stuff goes both ways.
The Romney camp on the other hand, should know better.
the primary this year is a complete circus..
"I am extremely uncomfortable with the extended use of my personal image in this political ad. I do not want my role as a journalist compromised for political gain by any campaign."
Really? He does that every time he appears with Chris Matthews on MSNBC.
Seems to us that News Broadcasts are Public Domain, once aired.
You know, like the Nixon tapes.
If it's not out of context, then what's the problem?
So the 4th Estate has to grant permission for a story but the private citizen does not?
Just asking?
Why would you worry about this as long as nothing is taken out of context. History is History. If it were untrue, or mis represented, but that was put out to the public and you should be proud to stand by it.
Reaching is not all thay pretty to look at. I am not surpised this is coming from a rightest.
Romney and his henchmen deliver REASONS THAT SOUND GOOD, NOT GOOD SOUND REASONS!
That's why he did not seek re-election in Massachusetts. After three years as Governor revealed his lack of honesty and character (see Romney violation of the Massachusetts Public Records Law and the destruction of the Romneycare emails), THE PEOPLE TOLD ROMNEY 'WE WON'T BE FOOLED AGAIN!"
WItH ROMNEY, THE GOP DOES NOT HAVE A PRAYER!
I just watched this video and if it is true Romney is a criminal.
http://www.mittsbloodmoney.com/
Romney is above the rules. With all his money, the spoiled rich kid thinks he does not have to ask permission. This is the bagger teavangelical choice for president?
It is only stating a fact right? Asking them to take the ad down only makes the ad been seen by more people. It creates viral internet activity, watch the youtube hits sky rocket!
NBC objects? But still takes the cash for running the ad!
The Romney campaign is repeatedly framed as organized and capable; yet, how could they not see that using footage, much like using a song by an artist, does not require permission first?
Why is Tom upset now about journalist credibility and being compromised for political gain by any campaign? His network along with many of his peers showed no journalistic ethics during the last presidential campaign when they became outright cheerleaders for a less than one term Senator, unpublished college professor and community organizer from Chicago. Some even got tingly feelings in their legs while on-air. They continue to give the community organizer a pass on the hard questions, the corruption in his administration and his clear incompetence and failures on many domestic and international issues. Romney should ignore NBC and the other corporate DNC media outlets who pimp for the one party they support. It's a free country and these news editors can support whomever they want and the market will determine who watches or listens to them...but feigning indignation about journalistic integrity is not to be taken seriously by anyone who is paying attention. You have to have some journalistic integrity before complaining about losing it.
O.K.– whoever is in charge of this needs to get on it NOW! I view Tom Brokaw as my replacement for Walter Cronkite.
Don't be trying to smear his name or image!!! These d- negative, slanderous ads are becoming sickening.
OBAMA/BIDEN 2012
Politofact rates the story about Romney overseeing Damon Corp while committing Medicare Fraud a TRUE story. Why isn't CNN reporting this?
Mr. Brokaw, as you should know, (better than anyone else!) The Republican party doesnt give a rats tail about anyone or anything when it comes to scoring any kind of political point !! Its become such a sad state of affairs the amount of treachery that comes out of the right wing lately & even sadder is the fact that people are so blind sided that they will still vote for these blood suckers !!
Mr. Brokow should refrain from hosting a a debate event if he doesn't want his image used by the campaigns. The media doesn't think twice about using those clips to promote their news outlet for future events. Once something is broadcast over the airwaves, no copy right should be in-play.
Tom Brokenjaw knows that Romney can beat Obama so he needs for Newt to get the nomination. Look Newt, Rick, Mitt, and Ron are all far superior human beings to Obama when it comes to decency, honesty, morals, values, and unlike Obama they don't consider their fellow Americans their enemy just for having an opposing view point. With this truth stated, Romney has the best chance of beating Obama, and for the safety and well being of all Americans and their families, Obama must be defeated. We all know what national Socialists do to their opposition and their families, Obama, Holder, and Napolitano would love to exterminate all Americans right of center.
Romney is not ready for prime time. Everday it seems he has to apologize for something he has done. Good grief we don't need a person of his character leading out country.
I just saw the ad in another article, and it is one of the most effective ads that I have ever seen.
I't probably i good idea to remove NBC out of the picture it might just help romney.
If it is Newt's words are captured, then I think it should be fair use. If it's mostly just Brokaw's words in the ad, then Rmoney is stooping to another low blow.
Republicans, - oh the great protectors of individual rights - never, ever ask for permission to use other people's copyrighted materials, whether it be news footage or rock songs.
Knowing the liberal bias of the mainstream media, would that happen if Obama or any democrat liberal was using them? NBC and MSNBC are know for their extreme bias, so I really doubt it.
Republicans are liars, cheaters, and committers of fraud. Think they care about misusing other people's property? They will do ANYHING, say ANY LIE, take away your VOTER rights to try in desperation to win. They cannot be trusted and everytime they mention "values" I wait for God to strike them dead. Christians? That's a joke.
Not that I'm defending Romney, but if it has been on the airwaves, why shouldn't any candidate be allowed to use it? It probably falls under Fair Use.
NBC is perfectly within their rights. This broadcast is owned by them, all rights, period. Now, I wonder what the usual group of whackos will say who think everything has an agenda behind it. Will they make the case the NBC is "pro-Gingrich"? Can't wait o hear the theories!
Romney has proven he is a liar. He did not disclose the Swiss bank or Cayman Islands offshore tax haven accounts on fair disclosure when filing for his nominations. But when he was forced to submit his 2010 return he comes back saying I made a small mistake. He is a liar who will cheat & find loopholes to pay less taxes. He should be forced to release his returns from his Bain Capital years. As it already proven this liars disclosures are not reliable and his returns will show more discrepancies and his real tax payments. I bet this scoundrel has paid ionly 3% or 4% i the 1995 to 2005 not the 13% he paid in 2010.
Romney isn't likely to comply. He isn't concerned about what's proper or not proper, in any way. He doesn't know the definition of "ethical conduct".
Its public property now Mr Brokaw, we know msnbc is obama's campaign site so quite whining. Maybe they
could do the commercial with a Bag over your head.
the GOP thinks that they are above the law, i hope brokaw sue's the pant's off of them
Dirty stuff, Mitt. I'm voting for the president and can't stand Gingrich, but this is dirty stuff as it affects the journalist, as well. This was a reporting of the news – use headlines from the newpapers if you must, but using the image and words of a journalist is dirty politics for everybody.
Even though I disagree politically with Newt, I think this is a Fair Use issue and as such the Gingrich campaign has the right to use Brokaw's image. If you feel uncomfortable having your image or words used in an ad for a political campaign, don't be a newscaster.
funny nbc wants romney to pull ad with tom brokaw, but nbc is running the ad on television
Can't blame them. They don't want any Newt on them. Criminy, Newt is one nasty man. I can't see how this man has had three wives. He makes my skin crawl and he sounds like a woman when he talks.
Former NBC "Nightly News" anchor Tom Brokaw is extremely uncomfortable with the extended use of my personal image in this political ad being used by Mitt Romney.
Was or has the image been digitally manipulated ? If not then it's part of history , run it .
Tom Brokaw just doesn't want to look like old news.
I thought Romney was in favor of strengthening enforcement of American copyright laws. Forget Chinese pirating, maybe we need to shut down Republican presidential campaigns. – lol
So the Romney camp refuses to remove it....my how easily they flaunt what could be a copyright issue. I guess Mitt doesn't really care as long as he feels it will buy his way into the WH. Not a good idea to make enemies with NBC.
come on Tom you work with al shartpton and all the crap that guy has said and done...this should not hurt you.......
NBC should slap them with lawsuit; only then will they know whether it was a fair us or an infringement of copyright.
NBC should slap them with lawsuit; only then will they know whether it was a 'fair use' or an infringement of copyright.
If I were Tom Brokaw,I would sue that Superpac,showing them some NBC power.They should have asked for approval first, the gentlemanly way,but I forgot ,they're the ones bullying the airwaves with their trash.In Florida,its every other ad,I'm having nightmares,better than some OuterLimits scifi shows,I used to watch.NBC show some muscle,don't wait till they decide,take the fight to them.Repubs already change votes at polling places,despose of votes,aka Jeb Bush.Facts ,check with Diebold machines investigated in Florida,hit Kerry ,vote went to Bush,FACT...So lets take the fight to Repubs,before they truelly ruin this country,rich men with egoes shouldn't run for office,period...
Don't worry Tom the traitor. You name will not be any more compromised than it already is you communist supporter. Now backer of the traitor to this country, Obama.
NBC obviously prefers that Gingrich be Obama's opponent instead of Romney. NBC is so pro-Obama. it shouldn't even be considered journalism. I say good for Romney.
Journalist's roles have been compromised by Obama since he was elected. What's the problem Tom? The public happens to miss its free press and have been saying so for years now. Only when conservatives see the hypocrisy of your roles and bring them forward to air do we hear a word from the democratic "journalists".
I am tired of how television companies complain against people using a brief clip of the company's material when the television company decided to put it on public television. As long as copyright is not being violated, stop complaining and if you really want to make sure that it does not get aired by someone else, then don't broadcast. I am quite sure that the world would get along just fine without the NBC.
I can't blame NBC or Browkaw because the comercial has them in it. This could be seen as a placid endorsement of the Romney campaign. Why shouldn't they protest? The Romney campaign has better com up with a good reason why that piece of tape is being used without some disclaimer.
newtromney thinks he can do what ever he wants
Brokaw isn't a journalist – he's a political hack
►NBC wants Romney camp to stop airing ad◄
Dang, Romney's dishonesty is making a lot of people mad
ginGRINCH complains and now Brokaw of NBC
There is NOTHING left of these candidates for US TO SEE!!!
Obama 2012!!
Doesn't Romney have the legal right to air the ad? Although, he could probably win with out it.
EGO... Get a grip, Brokaw... it could've been a muppet head or your talking head reading from the teleprompter... you are not the news... nobody cares... get over yourself... the point of the ad is that Newt is dirty, it has nothing to do with your purty little mouth... Doesn't matter anyway, PRESIDENT Obama will trounce these two imbeciles... he hasn't even started campaigning yet and he is already winning in the polls...
Come on Brokaw, we all know that you just don't want to be associated with a lying flip flopper.
What total BS.
Do news programs ask permission before digging up old or embarassing clips on their targets?
Its a wonderful thing to be able to sit on the sidelines and not be part of the frey, by claiming *I'm a Journalist*. But when its in their own best interest, there is no hesitation to offer an opinion or comment. What does Mr Brokaw expect when his professin includs such liminary journalists like Rove and Palin.
You said it, its on tape, its fair use.
Note, I am not a Romney supporter, and also not a supporter of the maiable set of rules journalists go by either.
NBC is a joke! They will crucify anyone but the president and his lap dog cronies; but are deeply offended by a Republican presidential candidate's ad. Objective journalism?! Most people at NBC don't even know what that is!!!
Listen, people are sick and tired of adversary advertisements.....o.k, These idiots are fighting for POTUS. it is the cheapest commodity in the world??????None of the republicans are worth a dime...idiots.
NBC can stop refuse their money.