The local radio station reported that someone had an opinion about something. That’s like reporting that someone has an asshole.
This morning, 08/13/2009, there was a news report on your radio station concerning a former insurance executive. You reported that Wendell Porter believes that the insurance industry is behind the current healthcare protests. Mr. Porter is a former insurace executive, but he is also currently employed by The Center for Media and Democracy. You did report this fact, but you left out that it is a progressive left wing think tank.
Reporting that someone has an opinion about something is not journalism. Everyone has an opinion. As jounalists and as a news orginization it is your job to verify or debunk the claims of Mr. Porter. If his claims are true, and you gave no evidence that they are, that is news. If he is lying and the Center for Media and Democracy is intentionally defaming the people protesting the healthcare plan, that is news. But to report Mr Porters opinion as if it is fact is shameful. I expect better from your radio station.
In the interest of disclosure my wife has protested the healthcare bill and she has never been in contact with any insurance company.
Thanks for your time,
James Byrd