ABC Affiliate Apologizes for Closing Comment
In closing off the local ABC 33/40 affiliate’s March 26, 2026 program, anchor Ashonti Ford said, “Before we go, a quote from the founder of the Islamic Brotherhood. ‘The quieter you become, the more you’re able to hear’.” The quote is attributed to Hassan al-Banna, founder of the Muslim Brotherhood — an organization designated as a terrorist group by the U.S. Treasury and State Departments.
The sign-off sparked a significant public backlash, with critics viewing it as an inappropriate or tone-deaf “homage” to a violent hate group targeting Israelis, Americans and various European nations.
In response, the Alabama station’s news director, Jeff Cox, took to the airwaves to issue a limited apology of sorts. He said:
“I want to take a moment to address concerns about our broadcast last Thursday. The intent of our closing segment is always to end the newscast on a positive and thoughtful note. 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.”
It was less than an abject apology for the use of a quote from a terrorist leader. It goes to the fact that it is not always what is said as who said it. Context provides meaning.
Cox continued by noting that anchor Ashonti Ford “had nothing to do with the selection” of the quote. It came through the station’s “editorial process”. In other words, Ford was only reading what the staff put into the teleprompter. Cox revealed something I have noted and criticized in the past. The anchors and talking heads are merely script readers. It is the folks behind the cameras who choose the subjects, prepare the copy and select the guests.
Cox explained, “We have addressed the matter internally, and we are making adjustments to ensure our content consistently meets our editorial standards moving forward.”
The station’s mea culpa focused on perception rather than the content itself, while emphasizing internal handling and future process improvements. Since it was a limited apology, one can assume that the “adjustments” will also be limited. Maybe nonexistent.
So, there ‘tis.
Larry’s watching TV again, trying to tell us what to say…….
Yup, this was a boner for sure. All of Birmingham might have heard it. Tell you what, Birmingham is off my list for my next home. Was off my list for business and pleasure so far, a real loss….. (actually I just snark: I met some great folks from Alabama and have looked at their gulf coast — sadly already discovered.) Some close relatives just retired there, but more inland. He’s an Army lifer, retired now, so used to third-world assignments (kidding again, he finished his last tour in Bozeman, loved it.)
You say it was a limited apology; what limited it, what did you need, some tar, a few feathers and a rail? He apologized and made it clear it was not the speaker’s view.
What happened to “free speech extremist?” Did you toss that out for your “patriotism.” Perhaps you need to practice what you preach in your own backyard right here.