(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'
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.