An Alabama news anchor drew fierce backlash after she quoted the founder of a designated terrorist organization during her on-air sign-off.
During a Thursday evening broadcast on Birmingham’s ABC 33/40, WBMA-LD, Ashonti Ford, 38, told viewers, “Before we go, a quote from the founder of the Islamic Brotherhood: ‘The quieter you become, the more you’re able to hear.'”
‘The intent of our closing segment is always to end the newscast on a positive and thoughtful note.’
Ford was quoting the late Muslim Brotherhood founder Hassan al-Banna.
Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) reacted to the on-air moment, writing in a post on X, “Pure insanity. The Radical Muslim Brotherhood is a TERRORIST ORGANIZATION.”
One X user responded, “Who made the decision to use the quote? That clown has to go!”
“She needs to be terminated!!” another individual wrote in response to Ford’s comments.
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Hassan al-Banna. AFP/Getty Images
In January, the State and Treasury Departments designated Muslim Brotherhood branches as Specially Designated Global Terrorist groups.
Jeff Cox, a news director for ABC 33/40, which Sinclair Broadcast Group operates, apologized for the quotation on Monday, AL.com reported.
“The intent of our closing segment is always to end the newscast on a positive and thoughtful note,” Cox said. “The quote included that evening was not intended to convey any political or ideological message.”
“However, we understand it was perceived that way and on behalf of the station, I sincerely apologize to those who were offended,” Cox added.
He asserted that Ford had no role in selecting the quote and stated that the matter was addressed internally.
“Although this quote was read by Ashonti Ford, Ashonti had nothing to do with the selection,” Cox continued. “We have addressed the matter internally, and we are making adjustments to ensure our content consistently meets our editorial standards moving forward.”
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ELVIS BARUKCIC/AFP/Getty Images
A Sinclair spokesperson told Fox News Digital, “ABC 33/40 is reinforcing its editorial review protocols to ensure content aligns with the station’s standards.”
“ABC 33/40 has an established editorial process for reviewing content. In this case, that process fell short, and the station has taken steps to strengthen it moving forward,” the spokesperson continued. “The station’s on-air talent was not involved in the selection of the quote. This was an editorial matter, which has been addressed through our internal processes.”
Ford was not disciplined and remains on air, according to Fox News Digital.
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