[Peace-discuss] Sinclair Broadcasting Channel 15 WICD

[jandurl]

AWARE Members:
Below is the interchange of messages between the powers that be at WICD Channel 15 and AWARE members Jan and Durl Kruse.  To help facilitate media reform at the local level we are proposing the inclusion of AWARE in the community Spotlight 15 televised feature.  Our request is meeting with some resistance as you will read below.  The first message is Mr. Doug Quick's response to our initial e-mail request to have AWARE included in the 60 second televised Spotlight 15 interview.  Below that is the response we made to his denial for AWARE to be featured.  The dialog continues.  Updates will follow as we proceed.
Jan & Durl Kruse


Doug Quick's (WICD Channel 15) denial of AWARE's participation in community Spotlight 15 interview

> This is concerning your request for a Spotlight 15 announcement on NewsChannel 
> 15.  These broadcast opportunities are offered to not for profit groups and to 
> publicize events which are directed to issues which are considered problem 
> areas in our viewing area.  Most of which they are directed to concerns of 
> children, education, health, families and minorities.  Some are for community 
> festivals, fairs and recreational subjects, while others are for cultural 
> events.  I get many requests for Spotlight 15 exposure.  I also turn down many, 
> most of which fit into the criteria mentioned above.  It's just not possible to 
> do every request.  There are some I have to turn down, and tell them when to 
> contact me next year to improve their chances.  
> 
> Since producing and hosting Spotlight 15 and Community Calendars is not my main 
> function here, though I take it quite seriously, the recording sessions are 
> scheduled only once every 3 to 4 weeks.  Because it is in our best interest to 
> have these announcements well in advance of the actual events, we try to record 
> them 6 weeks or more in advance of the actual event.  Viewers don't realize 
> this.  I get many requests to do a Spotlight for an event which takes place the 
> upcoming weekend.  It's just possible to do. 
> 
> As for your group, it simply doesn't meet the criteria to be considered for a 
> Spotlight 15 or to be mentioned on Community Calendar, because it's political 
> in nature.  I also receive many press releases for political rallies and 
> fundraisers.  None are ever included on any Public Service Announcement or the 
> website of NewsChannel 15.  I did approve yours for posting on our website, 
> though, because you took the time to submit it yourself on the website and your 
> item is not endorsing any political candidate.  We always direct viewers to the 
> website whenever we do a broadcast Community Calendar announcement. 
> 
> I hope this answers your questions concerning your submission.
> 
> Doug Quick
> WICD-TV
> 

Kruse response

> May 25, 2005
Dear Mr. Quick:

This letter concerns your recent reply to the AWARE (Anti-War Anti-Racism Effort) organization's request to be taped for an upcoming Channel 15 Spotlight segment. In your email reply, it was surprising to find that you concluded AWARE was "political in nature", thus dismissing it for a Spotlight 15 segment. 

We believe this is an unfortunate misconception on your part and we are not sure how you arrived at this conclusion. Our organization's mission statement makes it clear that AWARE is non-partisan and non-political. We advocate for no political party. As you correctly state in your reply you "approved our posting to the community calendar website because our item is not endorsing any political candidate". That is correct, AWARE is not a political group and should not be labeled as such. 

We are a local peace and racial justice organization. We are intent on advocating and working for and with the very people and areas of interest you mentioned WICD is most concerned about covering: children, education, health, families and minorities. Many of these issues and groups are on the agenda at our weekly meetings. Our working groups have been directly involved in a variety of local activities advocating on just such issues.

AWARE is interested in being considered for a Spotlight 15 interview and in being treated fairly and equitably just like any local non-for-profit group wishing to share information about itself to the general public. We strongly feel access through local media best serves the local public interest by enabling a well-informed citizenry to better participate in our democracy. 

In reviewing your community calendar we noticed listings announcing Memorial Day activities, some which explicitly state they are for the purpose of supporting our troops and current war. Much like these groups we also have a number of veterans in our organization. AWARE members include veterans from World War II, Vietnam, the 1st Gulf War and recently a young man returning from Afghanistan and Iraq. As local residents they too would like their organization, AWARE, to have the same public exposure. They too would be surprised that you characterized AWARE as too political to be given air time on WICD Spotlight 15.

Therefore we request reconsideration of our group for a Spotlight 15 segment. Our US military veteran members would be most appreciative to be featured in a Spotlight 15 interview and speak to the many ways our group works for peace and social and racial justice in our community. These voices should be heard because they represent local community members who share your concern regarding children, education, healthcare, families and minorities.

We are hoping for a positive reconsideration for AWARE to participate in an upcoming WIDC Spotlight 15.

Durl and Jan Kruse


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