Glenn Beck never misses an opportunity for self-aggrandizement, and when he apologized last week for slandering the largest religious denomination of American Jews, Beck used the occasion to boast of his own “honor” and “integrity,” and said: “I lead with my mistakes, because I think it’s important as a human being to demonstrate to other human beings that we can be stronger if we correct our mistakes and flaws and move on.”

But it turns out that Beck’s apology came only after Salem Communications — a company that owns major stations that broadcast Beck’s show — asked him to address the controversy.

In a statement obtained by Media Matters, Jeff Reisman, a manager of the Salem station that carries Beck in Chicago, acknowledged that Salem Communications “requested that Glenn Beck respond directly regarding his recent comments”:

“Thanks for your e-mail. WIND’s parent company requested that Glenn Beck respond directly regarding his recent comments. As I am sure you already heard, Mr. Beck issued a public apology this morning and clearly stated that he made a mistake and referred to himself as ignorant and having made one of the worst analogies of all time. Furthermore, he referenced Abraham Foxman and stated that Abe was absolutely correct. If you have not heard the audio, I can send it to you.

I appreciate your e-mail and concern.”

Media Matters