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A media critique... and then some! Banned in Beijing, Kabul, and at KCAL TV.
Beck replacement named - story below Thursday Letters - comments on Kelly Mack, Jennifer York, Barbara Boxer, and who should replace Hal Fishman. Inside LA TV - critical comments from a KCBS insider, and another ex-KCALer complains about the interim news director. Links to Recent Issues 09-17-01 Monday's OTR 09-12-01 Wednesday's OTR 09-14-01 Friday's OTR If you'd like to send a contribution to help keep OTR going, you can send 10 dollars to Ron Fineman, PO Box 42364, Bakersfield, CA 93384 Or you can send $ on-line. Just click on the PayPal Logo. Your help is appreciated! |
To get on the OTR email reminder list, email me at BRUIN74@aol.com. |
THURSDAY UPDATE - BECK REPLACEMENT NAMED
KTLA has hired Giselle Fernandez to co-anchor with Carlos Amezcua on the
KTLA Morning News. According the KTLA news release, "Ms.
Fernandez was a weekend co-anchor and reporter for the station's 10 p.m.
newscast early in her career and later built a reputation covering
international news stories and special assignments for CBS and NBC. A former
co-host of entertainment magazine show "Access Hollywood," Ms. Fernandez is
currently the co-anchor of the History Channel's "This Week in History."
"When Giselle guest co-anchored the 'KTLA Morning News' earlier this summer,
we received overwhelmingly positive response from our viewers," Mr. Wald
said. "She will be an asset in every way to our 'Morning News,' helping to
continue and build on the show's success."
She start on October 15th.
VERY INTERESTING STORY ON KCOP
Reporter David Rose came up with what appears to be a possible local connection to Arab terrorism. On their newscast Monday night, he reported on what he said was called "Operation Bell Tower." His sources were a former Huntington Park cop who said he worked with the FBI on this, and as well as an insurance investigator. According to the story, there are Arab owned clothing businesses in Huntington Park which have claimed losses in burglaries which law enforcement has questioned. Yet, insurance companies have paid off, and at least some of that money has been traced by the FBI to terrorist training in Lebanon. Rose's police source said this has been going on for years, and he could not understand why the FBI hasn't made arrests. The source was told that the FBI wanted to let the illegal operation keep going, because it was such a good intelligence operation for them. An FBI spokesman on camera would neither confirm or deny Operation Bell Tower, saying that was their standard public position on such alleged operations. Wisely, he didn't identify the businesses, since no arrests have been made. (And needless to say, we don't need any more vigilante action in our country). If true, some of that money could well have gone to support the operation which just killed thousands of Americans. If there were nothing to this, I have to believe the FBI would've found a way to let Rose know that. This is a story to keep an eye on. Good job by Rose and KCOP.
JUST WHAT DOES BARBARA BOXER THINK?
I had the opportunity to interview Senator Boxer Friday over the telephone. I thought it was important to find out whether she would support using American troops to fight terrorism. Much to my surprise, she would not answer. More strange, she acted is if she was answering. Yes, sometimes politician will dance around the question you ask, but I would've thought it was just too important to play those games. I was wrong. Below is a transcript of my brief interview with Boxer. You can judge for yourself.
RF: As a senator, how far are you will to go in terms of this fight against terrorism, meaning if it's up to you...a lot bombing, strategic strikes, actually sending troops into a foreign country...I know I'm getting ahead a little bit, but I know it may come to that. I'm wondering where you are on this?
BB: Well the Senate already voted 98-0 to give the president the authority to root out these terrorists, and so we are all very resolved that we're going to find the people who did this, and we're going to hold them accountable. And ah, you know the language is very very strong... and basically what it says it "the President is authorized to use all necessary and appropriate force against those nations, organizations or persons that he determines planned, authorized, committed or aided the terrorist attacks on our country. And so the Senate is unanimous...
RF: I understand that, but when push comes to shove, if it comes to invasions and troops, do you think you...
BB: Well, I'll repeat. What we said was "all necessary and appropriate force in order to root out these people who attacked our soil and killed our people. So that means the whole panoply options are on the table.
RF: Right I understand that, and that's the words right now...but we haven't done anything yet, but when, you know how it is, once you start sending over troops and our soldiers start dying, sometimes the public may change.
BB: I'm not talking about sending in troops or our soldiers dying.
RF: Well that's what I'm asking...
BB: What I am saying to you is, we were attacked, our country was attacked, and our people were
killed...by terrorism. And we have essentially said that we authorize appropriate force to root out this terrorism. Now the word "appropriate" is what is going to be determined. Is it appropriate, to use certain weapons of war? Is it appropriate to use the court system? Is it appropriate to use our armed forces. These are all the issues that will be debated and will be discussed.
RF: Right and so right now I'm asking what you think about going as far as, for example, ground troops. I understand what the resolution says...
BB: I say and I will repeat everything is on the table, that we need to do right now, in order to get to the people who attacked our country. And there's ongoing evidence that they're not done yet. So we need to root out this terrorism. We were attacked, our people were killed, Californians were killed, and my positions is VERY clear, it couldn't be clearer. Because I voted for this. If I had any question I wouldn't. And that is to use all necessary and appropriate force against any nation, organization or person who helped to plan, or committed or aided these terrorists attacks. That's all I'm going to tell you. And the appropriate use is... will be a debate at the appropriate time. But right now, everything is on the table.
RF: But when you say it will be debated.. if the President... he has the power anyway, right to send troops into situations...
BB: He has but as you well know, under the War Powers Act - which is still in force and effect - the Congress must vote within 60 days. So we have not given up any of our authority in this.
RF: So if he decides to send troops or do something wherever, debate will follow in Congress.
BB: The War Powers Act kicks in ,and within 60 days, as we have in every war since Vietnam, the Congress can act and determine whether the force is appropriate. But at this moment, as I say, we voted 98-0...all of us united that all appropriate force...the President has at his disposal, in order to root out this terrorism that killed our people.
RF: I'm wondering if you think the...
BB: Thank you very much.
RF: But I still had a couple of more questions Senator.
BB: Ah, I'm sorry, I've go to go live on another station.
RF: Okay, well thanks for your time then.
THE FLAG CAN BE OVERDONE
It is understandable that Americans feel comfortable rallying around the flag after what happened last week. It is obviously a strong and enduring symbol of our liberty. Though if I were a terrorist operating inside the US, the first thing I'd do is put a flag in front of my house and wear a red, white and blue ribbon. My point is that symbolism should be kept in perspective. In an attempt to wear the flag on their sleeve, I think the Fox News Channel has made a mistake by planting a waving American flag in the upper left hand corner of the screen. The biggest problem is that it tends blend in with all of their video, whether it makes sense or not. At one point yesterday, they were showing video of foreign tanks. Yet, there was the American Flag flying over these tanks from another country, possibly one of our enemies. Even in trying times like these, Old Glory doesn't belong everywhere. I almost hesitate to talk about things like this, because I expect there may be those ready to question the patriotism of anyone who has a different point of view. Along those lines, I hope that won't be the case, once we begin our military action. Even though I will likely be supportive of what ever action the president takes, I respect that other good Americans may differ. Likewise it is important that the news media remain a government watchdog and not take on the role of cheerleader. Remember during the Gulf War, we were give the impression that the US was dropping a lot of smart bombs. The truth at the time was hidden from the news media, which was that more than 90 percent of bombs dropped were the old fashioned "dumb" bombs. So the media need to be critical observers, as always.
I say that as a reporter who personally may be a "hawk" on this one, and feels very strongly that terrorism must be stopped; yet we can't forget that as journalists, we really need a certain level of professional detachment, even though our hearts may be in a different place.
HMMM...WAS IT A STORY?
KABC-TV had what they called an "exclusive" story last night. Reporter Jaie Avila reported that three men from Yemen were being detained, because they were believed to be associates of some of the suicide hijackers. But then at the end of live shot, he reported that one of them had been released, and that most of them may've been released. He interviewed one of the guys live, who denied knowing the hijackers. It was pretty interesting to me because the young man from Yemen had a thick accent and spoke very quickly. I was really hoping Avila would simply asked him to slow down a little. The man seemed to be complaining that the FBI and/or police were treating them disrespectfully, and so it might have been interesting if Avila had pursued that line of questioning. But, if it turns out that all three were let go, and had nothing to do with the terrorists, was it really fair to do the story and show them on TV? If some idiots are going to attack innocent Moslems and Arabs, what might they do to people they saw being taken away by police?
SOME SICK THOUGHTS BY JERRY FALWELL
You have to hope that the nutty comments made by Reverend Jerry Falwell about the attack on America do not reflect most of the religious right. Here is what Jerry Falwell said on the 700 Club: 'I really believe that the pagans, and the abortionists, and the feminists, and the gays and lesbians who are actively trying to make that an alternative lifestyle, the ACLU, People for the American Way – all of them who have tried to secularize America – I point the finger in their face and say, "You helped this happen."' Pat Robertson agreed: 'Well, I totally concur, and the problem is we have adopted their agenda at the highest levels of our government.' He also said "God continues to lift the curtain and allow the enemies of America to give us probably what we deserve."
He has apologized, saying "In the midst of the shock and mourning of a dark week for America, I made a statement that I should not have made and which I sincerely regret. . . . I want to apologize to every American, including those I named."
I would suggest that is meaningless. (I understand Robertson has apologized too). We know what he thinks. This is one bell you cannot un-ring. He was spewing hate. That comment should do for Falwell and Robertson, what Al Campanis' comment on Nightline did for his career. It will be interesting to see if Republicans and conservative Christians will continue to embrace them.
BROADCASTING FROM A GROUNDED CHOPPER
This just looks SO STUPID. With TV helicopters still grounded, KTLA Morning News traffic reporter Jennifer York is doing her traffic reports from the helicopter! What is the point? Though they tell us they're grounded, I suppose it is quite possible that some viewers may think she's in the air...since after all, she is inside the chopper in the same position she is always is in when she is flying. But really, can't KTLA find a place in their studio to put her? It just looks so small time. My thanks to OTR reader Arthur Medrano who pointed this out to me. (He has an email in today's letters section).
A GOOD STORY, BUT A LITTLE CONFUSING
On KCOP last week, Gina Silva reported on hip hop singer Sarah Jones. This woman doesn't like the way rappers treat women as sex objects in their music, and she made a record which stated her objections in a clear, and sometimes crude way. One station got fined seven thousand dollars by the FCC for playing her words. Jones said "Eminem and me, the only two people who've been banned this way." In her story, Silva also said that "any radio station playing their (Jones and Eminem) songs will be fined a hefty seven thousand dollars."
She seemed to be saying that any songs by the two would result in a fine, which made no sense to me. After all, the FCC objects to lyrics, not artists. I did an internet search and found that one station in Colorado had been fined for playing a particular Eminem song. And only one song by Jones, caused KBOO to be fined.
As I said, it really was a good story, and Jones certainly seems to have a valid point of view. But unfortunately, Silva really gave a false impression by suggesting the FCC had banned the playing of Jones and Eminem. I think that is more than just a small detail.
BURBANO GOING TO TRIAL
After a pre-trial conference hearing last week, a trial date has been set for KTLA Mindy Burbano, who faces a misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence of alcohol. Her trial date is set for October 9th in Beverly Hills, at which time I assume they'll start picking a jury. It'll be interesting to see if her small degree of celebrity helps her beat the rap.
COVERING UP THE FACE
Recently, a triple murder suspect who ran away to Mexico was
captured. KABC-TV blocked out the face the man who had just been
arrested. Anchor Marc Brown said "Authorities have asked us
not to show the face of the suspect Alfred Flores during his
arrest." Unfortunately, he never explained why.
To make it more curious, they then showed the face of the man
from a wanted poster.
YOUR OPINIONS
They are always welcome. You can reach me at BRUIN74@aol.com. Unless you say otherwise, I will assume your comments are for publication.
Ron's disclaimer: Like all reporters I have opinions. I do the best I can to make sure that nothing I say here has any effect on my objectivity in covering stories.
OTR's main page IS PUBLISHED MONDAY, WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY. Letters are added Tuesday - Friday.
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