Full Breakdown
Outrage Over Alabama News Anchor's Quote from Muslim Brotherhood Founder
4/2/2026, 1:37:45 AM
Incident Overview
On March 26, 2026, Ashonti Ford, a news anchor for Birmingham's ABC 33/40 WBMA-LD, sparked significant backlash after quoting Hassan al-Banna, the founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, during her newscast sign-off. Ford concluded the broadcast with the quote, “The quieter you become, the more you’re able to hear,” which led to immediate outrage on social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter). Critics questioned the appropriateness of the quote, given the Muslim Brotherhood's controversial history and designation as a terrorist organization by several countries, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Background on the Muslim Brotherhood
Founded in 1928 by Hassan al-Banna in Egypt, the Muslim Brotherhood began as a religious and social movement aimed at promoting Islamic values in public life. Over the decades, it has been linked to various militant activities and has spawned several offshoots, including Hamas, which identifies itself as part of the Brotherhood's broader movement. The organization has faced scrutiny and condemnation for its connections to political violence and terrorism, leading to its designation as a terrorist organization by various nations and entities, including recent actions by the U.S. State and Treasury departments.
Reactions and Official Responses
Following the broadcast, social media erupted with calls for accountability, with users demanding Ford's termination from the station. Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville commented on the situation, labeling the Muslim Brotherhood a "TERRORIST ORGANIZATION." In response to the backlash, Jeff Cox, news director of ABC 33/40, issued an apology, clarifying that the quote was not intended to convey any political or ideological message. He emphasized that the selection of quotes for the newscast follows a standard editorial process and that Ford was not involved in the choice.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics of Ford's quote argue that it reflects a troubling lack of judgment, especially given the historical context of the Muslim Brotherhood and its associations with terrorism. Many viewers expressed their discontent, questioning how such a quote could be aired without prior vetting. The incident has reignited discussions about media responsibility and the potential consequences of broadcasting controversial statements.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the backlash has been widespread, there is a lack of clarity regarding the internal processes at ABC 33/40 that allowed the quote to air. The station's management has stated that the editorial process is standard, yet the specifics of how this particular quote was selected remain unclear. Additionally, the broader implications of this incident on Ford's career and the station's reputation are yet to be fully assessed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Before we go, a quote from the founder of the Islamic Brotherhood: ‘The quieter you become, the more you’re able to hear,’” — Ashonti Ford, News Anchor
- “Pure insanity. The Radical Muslim Brotherhood is a TERRORIST ORGANIZATION.” — Tommy Tuberville, U.S. Senator
- “The intent of our closing segment is always to end the newscast on a positive and thoughtful note.” — Jeff Cox, News Director of ABC 33/40
This incident highlights the complexities of media broadcasting in a politically charged environment and raises questions about the responsibilities of news organizations in curating content that may provoke public outrage.
