CNN has said the network will, going forward, disclose contributor Alex Castellanos’ ties to America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), according to the NY Times.
On Wednesday, Media Matters reported that Castellanos’ consulting firm, National Media, placed ads for the insurance advocacy group:
According to the detailed ad buy information obtained by Media Matters, Castellanos is responsible for placing, beginning October 11, more than $1 million of AHIP advertising in five states. Castellanos last appeared on CNN September 30; during a debate with Rep. Alan Grayson (D-FL) on The Situation Room, Castellanos defended Republican health care proposals.
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CNN said in a statement, “When Alex Castellanos returns from his vacation and next appears on CNN, we will clearly disclose to our viewers relevant information including his firm’s relationship with AHIP.”
Interestingly, TVNewser went back and checked out a health care debate Castellanos had with Paul Begala on “The Situation Room” September 22nd, and while CNN did not specifically disclose any ties with insurance organizations, they did provide these onscreen graphics to disclose some information about his professional background: