An ABC affiliate in Alabama apologized on Monday after an anchor signed off from the station’s evening newscast by quoting the founder of an Islamic fundamentalist group that has been linked to terrorism and threats against America.
Birmingham’s WBMA ABC 33/40 News anchor Ashonti Ford ended an evening newscast last week with a quote she attributed to Hassan al-Banna, who is credited with founding the Muslim Brotherhood in 1928.
"Before we go, a quote from the founder of the Islamic Brotherhood: The quieter you become, the more you're able to hear," Ford told Alabama viewers.
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The Trump administration has designated certain Muslim Brotherhood chapters as foreign terrorist organizations. Aross parts of the Arab world, the Islamist organization has been banned or restricted for years.
Egypt outlawed the movement in 2013, accusing it of inciting unrest and undermining state institutions. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates later designated it a terrorist organization, describing it as a threat to national stability, while Bahrain adopted a similar stance.
Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., who was among the many online critics, called the signoff on the Alabama station "pure insanity."
"The Radical Muslim Brotherhood is a TERRORIST ORGANIZATION," Tuberville wrote.
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After significant backlash, ABC 30/40 news director Jeff Cox addressed the incident on Monday.
"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," Cox told viewers.
"The quote included that evening was not intended to convey any political or ideological message," he continued. "However, we understand that it was perceived that way and, on behalf of the station, I sincerely apologize to those who were offended."
Cox added that Ford "had nothing to do with the selection," and quotes used to end the newscast are selected through the station’s editorial process, not by anchors themselves.
"We have addressed the matter internally, and we are making adjustments to ensure our content consistently meets our editorial standards moving forward. We value your trust, appreciate your feedback, and we thank you for your loyalty," Cox said.
WBMA is owned and operated by Sinclair Broadcast Group.
When reached for comment, a Sinclair spokesperson provided Fox News Digital with video of Cox’s apology.
"ABC 33/40 is reinforcing its editorial review protocols to ensure content aligns with the station's standards," a Sinclair spokesperson added.
"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," they 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 has remained on air.
Fox News Digital's Efrat Lachter contributed to this report.
