With news that Glenn Beck finally donated money to Wilmington, Ohio charities after staging in-person appeals on the town's behalf back in December, and with the news that most of the money raised from Beck's ticket sales did not go to Wilmington charities, it's time to ask this question: Did Beck actually turn a profit from his Wilmington appearances thanks to the sky-high ticket fees for performances. And did Beck turn a profit because Fox News, in a highly unusual move, allowed the host to charge exorbitant prices for fans to watch him tape his TV show in Wilmington?
Indeed, Beck's entire Wilmington production, which he relentlessly promoted as a selfless act of goodwill, looks increasingly cynical in its execution. It also looks increasingly profitable. For Beck, not the town.
We've always known Beck charged money for the Wilmington tickets. That's never been a secret. But the revelation late last week that such a large percentage of the ticket revenues did not go to charity raises the obvious question: Why did Fox News allow Beck to charge big bucks ($125) for tickets to the taping of his TV show? (And is that an option extended to other hosts?)
Let's recap what transpired in Wilmington late last year. In an effort to raise public awareness about the town and its unemployment struggles, Beck announced that he would visit Wilmington and shine a spotlight on the community. The host hoped that his legions of fans would descend on Wilmington for Beck's visit and (temporarily) boost the local economy.
When he announced his Wilmington plans, Beck also politicized his deeds by lying about how town, in a fit of Middle America self-determination, had shunned financial aid from Uncle Sam. Instead, residents turned to churches and neighbors in time of need, according to Beck. In truth, the federal government has pumped millions of dollars into Wilmington and the surrounding county in recent years. Just last week the government announced it was pouring nearly $3 million more into the community. (By comparison, Beck has donated $44,000.)