
<p>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 &#8212; an organization designated as a terrorist group by the U.S. Treasury and State Departments.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>In response, the Alabama station’s news director, Jeff Cox, took to the airwaves to issue a limited apology of sorts. He said:</p>



<p>“<em>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, </em><em><strong>I sincerely apologize to those who were offended</strong></em><em>.”</em></p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>Cox explained, “We have addressed the matter internally, and we are making adjustments to ensure our content consistently meets our editorial standards moving forward.”</p>



<p>The station’s <em>mea culpa</em> 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.</p>



<p>So, there ‘tis.</p>

ABC Affiliate Apologizes for Closing Comment
