NBC News asks Mitt Romney to stop using footage in attack ad (Video)

For those that live in Florida, the past week has been filled with political coverage, with Republican presidential candidates Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich fighting for a win in Tuesday’s primary election. One of the advertisements Romney has been using is a 30-second attack ad on Gingrich that includes a 1997 NBC Nightly News report on Gingrich’s House ethics violations. However, the Romney campaign reportedly did not seek NBC News’ permission and the network is now asking that the ads stop being aired.

CNN reported on Saturday that former Nightly News anchor and current NBC contributor Tom Brokaw issued a statement, saying that “I am extremely uncomfortable with the extended use of my personal image in this political ad. I do not want my role as a journalist compromised for political gain by any campaign."

After the report ends, the ad shows “Paid for by Romney for President, Approved by Mitt Romney” right under Brokaw’s image, notes The Associated Press.

NBC’s legal department complained that Romney’s campaign never even approached them about using the report, adding that they have been forced to do this in the past, when other campaigns have "inappropriately” used their reports, notes CNN.

According to The New York Times, a Romney spokesperson said that they are in no rush to comply with NBC’s wishes because they believe the fair-use doctrine allows them to use it.

As the Times notes, this issue has cropped up on both sides, with former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee complaining about how Gingrich was using an old video that made it look like he was endorsing Gingrich. Huckabee does not endorse Gingrich now and, in fact, has yet to endorse any candidate.

NBC’s request that the ad be stopped may have backfired, though, as the media continues to report on it. Romney’s press secretary even tweeted, “Watch the @MittRomney ad that has everyone abuzz here!” and included a link to the video, reports the Times.

You can see the ad below: