CNN has confirmed to TPM that it did in fact ask Mitt Romney’s campaign to take down a web video attacking Rick Perry that included network footage.
“CNN did not consent to the use of its copyrighted material for this ad, and CNN objects to the use of its talent in any campaign ad,” a spokesperson said in an e-mailed statement. “We respectfully requested that the Romney campaign not use CNN material in their campaign ads and they complied.”
The Romney campaign told TPM’s Evan McMorris-Santoro that they stand by the content of their ad, a tough attack on Perry’s widely panned debate performances, but that they chose to comply with CNN’s request. A recent Perry video also used CNN footage and TPM is following up with the network to see if the campaign will also be asked to take down their web ad.
Update: CNN policy is apparently to let debate footage be used liberally — Romney’s video made use of their commentators, ie. “its talent.”
Benjy Sarlin
Benjy Sarlin is a reporter for Talking Points Memo and co-writes the campaign blog, TPM2012. He previously reported for The Daily Beast/Newsweek as their Washington Correspondent and covered local politics for the New York Sun.
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