Ex-talk show host Bernie Ward admits to distributing child pornography

A former Roman Catholic priest, Ward was known for his outspoken liberal views on a weeknight talk show on KGO AM 810, where he had worked since 1985. He also hosted "God Talk," a Sunday morning program on religion.

clipped from www.sfgate.com Bernie Ward, a prominent radio talk show host and reporter in the Bay Area for more than two decades, admitted today to distributing child pornography in a plea deal that will send him to federal prison for at least five years. Ward is to be sentenced Aug. 28. Weinberg said federal prosecutors intend to ask Walker to send the former talk show host to prison for nine years. Under federal law, the minimum term Ward could receive is five years. Ward, 57, has admitted that he downloaded and sent pornographic images of children on the Internet in 2004, but said he had been doing research for a book. Federal law, however, prohibits receipt, possession and distribution of child pornography regardless of intent.