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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
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21

Sheriff: TV Paid for Balloon Stunt

Unnamed outlet blurs entertainment-news lines, says Alderden

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(Newser) – A shady TV operation may have already paid the Heenes for its balloon boy stunt, the Colorado sheriff investigating the case has indicated. The Los Angeles Times is reporting that the unnamed outlet paid the family for the launch and may be complicit in the hoax. An agreement from the media operation to pay the Heenes was found during a police search of the family's home, according to the New York Daily News.

Larimer County Sheriff Jim Alderden didn't identify the media organization but said it was in an industry that blurs "the line between entertainment and news." It's unclear what, if any, charges the operation could face if it encouraged the hoax in any way. Alderden has said the Heenes spent two weeks planning the hoax.  

Graphic provides details about the construction of the Heene family's balloon.
Graphic provides details about the construction of the Heene family's balloon.   (Associated Press)
Falcon Heene, 6, is held by his dad outside the family's home in Fort Collins, Colo.
Falcon Heene, 6, is held by his dad outside the family's home in Fort Collins, Colo.   (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Six-year-old Falcon Heene is shown with father Richard as they emerge from the family's home in Fort Collins, Colo., after Falcon was found hiding above the garage on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009.
Six-year-old Falcon Heene is shown with father Richard as they emerge from the family's home in Fort Collins, Colo., after Falcon was found hiding above the garage on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009.   (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
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21 comments
VIEWING:
 
Reader64481089
Oct 20, 09 6:18 AM CDT
With his description I dare say which TV Network/Station he describes /Cough /Faux /Cough Reply
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+4
IN RESPONSE:
Blackbird
Oct 20, 09 7:35 AM CDT
I believe you're correct!! that blurs "the line between entertainment and news."
Vote up! Vote down!
+3
cochiserocks
Oct 20, 09 6:21 AM CDT
Oh great - A 'Jackass' show which involves hoaxing the emergency services, the media and the public. Why do I feel like a door just got opened which should have remained firmly locked! Mind you - come to think of it - I just described the BNP! Reply
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+3
phil
Oct 20, 09 6:25 AM CDT
nice. now the police fire and ambulance operators have someone to sue for their costs Reply
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+3
IN RESPONSE:
tomodachi
Oct 20, 09 6:54 AM CDT
reply @phil: yepp... and add to that the people who didn't get the help of the police, fire, and ambulance service... because they were chasing this media hoax?
Vote up! Vote down!
+3

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