Syndicated radio host Glenn Beck, whose Philadelphia-based show is heard in more than 100 markets, is seen after recording promotional announcements for an upcoming 'Rally for America' in his Bala Cynwyd, Pa. studio in this March 12, 2003 file photo. Three groups are urging ABC News not to keep CNN Headline News personality Glenn Beck on as a 'Good Morning America' commentator because they believe he's biased against Arabs. (AP Photo/Mike Mergen, file)

The Saudi-funded Muslim lobby has found a new target: a conservative broadcaster that warns of terrorist plots against the United States.

Arab and Muslim groups have launched a campaign to block the hiring of Glenn Beck as a commentator on ABC's "Good Morning America." The Arab American Institute, American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee and Muslim Public Affairs Council, said Mr. Beck engages in anti-Arab and anti-Muslim rhetoric and his hiring would incite hatred. ABC, which responded rapidly, has offered to work with the groups in dealing with Mr. Beck.

"ABC News has initially responded to our letter, which is promising, but we need your help in order to encourage positive action on the part of ABC regarding this matter," the Arab American Institute said in an alert to supporters last week.

Mr. Beck has angered the Muslim lobby during his tenure at CNN Headline News and as a talk radio host. The lobby said Mr. Beck has suggested that Arab- and Muslim-Americans are apathetic to terrorism and that if they do not take action they will be "looking through a razor wire fence at the West."

"State that by giving Beck such a prominent platform to spread dishonest and hurtful statements, ABC is perpetuating fear of Arab and Muslim communities and is inciting hatred toward Arab and Muslim Americans," the alert said.

Supporters were asked to identify themselves as viewers of "Good Morning America" and warn that the inclusion of Mr. Beck would jeopardize the program's integrity. The lobby has relayed similar concerns to ABC’s senior executives.

Mr. Beck has criticized the Muslim lobby for failing to support the post-9/11 national security agenda. In broadcasts in August and September 2006, he warned that this would harm Muslim emigration to the United States. In November, Mr. Beck challenged the first Muslim to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, Rep. Keith Ellison, Minnesota Democrat.

In a Jan. 18 letter, ABC President David Westin appeared to rule out any reversal of his decision to hire Mr. Beck. But he said "Good Morning America" senior executive producer Jim Murphy would be in touch with the organizers to discuss how ABC would respond to any statements by Mr. Beck that would anger the Muslim lobbyists.

"I am aware of Mr. Beck's commentary on other outlets," Mr. Westin said. "I cannot say that I agree with some of what he has said. But that in itself is not grounds for our refusing to have him on our broadcast. There is a place of honest opinion openly discussed."

Over the last few months, the Muslim lobby has challenged media outlets and leading politicians. One target has been Sen. Barbara Boxer, California Democrat, who rescinded an award to a regional director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations.

On Jan. 23, Ms. Boxer met CAIR leaders to resolve their dispute, but refused to reverse her decision to rescind the award. CAIR has been accused of supporting Hamas, Hezbollah and other Islamic groups deemed to be terrorists.

"We have addressed the issues related to this unfortunate and unnecessary incident, and have agreed with Senator Boxer that we should all move forward to build a nation in which people of all faiths work together to promote respect and tolerance," CAIR said in a statement.