KYW in Philadelphia needs to get DU'ed.

[Surf Cowboy]

President Dolt is visiting the small Republican enclave suburb of Chalfont today, and, apparently in order to help out, KYW (sister station of the Big Talker 1210--home of Rushbo, Hannishit, and O'Liely) has been running sound bites from Bush supporters all morning long. I've heard at least 3 different ones, all with their Repuke talking (lieing) points given 20-30 seconds each. It's a fucking rash of pro-* testimonials, and this from the "news station."

We need to go after them on this, particularly because Kerry will be in Allentown tomorrow, and KYW better be giving his supporters' talking points fair shrift.

Demand that they do better.

[e-mail] is the address of their news programmer. Let them hear it!!!

This is the e-mail I sent:


I understand that KYW is the sister station of the Big Talker, but what I don't understand is why KYW is airing Republican talking points first thing in the morning, when most of us are looking for news. I understand that the Bush rally is the biggest thing to hit Chalfont since the locusts (or at least last year's big thunderstorm), but it's really not news for the rest of us.

Nonetheless, I trust that you will air the same amount of pro-Kerry supporters and their talking points tomorrow morning during drive time, since Kerry will be in Allentown tomorrow.

I will be listening to see whether KYW or PHT is the horse leading your cart. If it turns out to be PHT, I'll be getting my news somewhere other than KYW. Satellite radio is really something.

Very Truly Yours,

[T Wolf]

1. I just sent this one

KYW-1060,
After hearing the non-stop promotion of Bush's invitation-only, taxpayer-funded visit to Chalfont and the constant soundbites spouted by Bush supporters, I am looking forward to tomorrow to see if you give equal treatment to Senator Kerry. His public-invited visit to Allentown should get the same treatment - that being as much publicity AND the airing of multiple testimonials from his supporters.
Though it is "news" when a national politician comes to the area, I feel your promotion of Bush, particularly in the high-volume AM drive time, amounts to a free political advertisement. Add in the talking point sound bites and the effect is to turn "News Radio" into Fox-on-the-radio.
Our radio has been tuned to KYW for years. If you do not give equal treatment to John Kerry and his supporters tomorrow, that dial will be changed. There are other sources for news and weather.

T Wolf
Jenkintown, PA

[Surf Cowboy]

2. Good. They sent a reply back to me...

Thanks for your note. Our intention is pretty simple.. to cover the election and Pennsylvania's key role -- the suburbs in particular, it seems. So yes, when Kerry comes through (why he hasn't been here more frequently is a bit of a mystery to us... Allentown, where he's visited at least twice, isn't really the Philly metro), we'll be there providing similar coverage. Indeed, today, we're following Mrs. Kerry in King of Prussia.

KYW Newsradio is all about covering what's happening here... like it or not, when Air Force One swoops in over the 'burbs, it's going to be news we can't ignore. We debate all of these in the newsroom every day, and get many notes like yours from the President Bush supporters, as well.

Steve Butler
Dir. of Programming
KYW Newsradio
101 S. Independence Mall East
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215-238-4971
[e-mail]


I sent a reply:

Covering the fact that the President is campaigning is one thing; airing reasons to vote for him (and no counter-point) is another. It sounded quite a bit like a paid political advertisement. I have spoken with several at work who noticed the same thing this morning. Quite simply, if there is no counter-point to the interviews with Bush's supporters, then KYW is effectively promoting Bush.

Like I said, if KYW does the same thing with Kerry's supporters, then I guess it's OK, but really, KYW has no business airing the reasoning of political supporters during drive time. It's about news. The news is: Bush visits Chalfont to Campaign, not "I'm voting for Bush because he's doing a great job." I hope the difference is as obivous to you as it is to me. There is a pretty good argument that the news should be: Bush visits Chalfont with taxpayer dollars to Campaign at Invitation-Only Event. Now that's news, isn't it? That I'm paying for him to hold an event that I couldn't get admitted to if I tried?

Oh well. We'll see how you do tomorrow.

[jumpstart33]

3. The whole of Philadelphia is almost a hopeless, mindless ghetto.

You can try but it won't help. Most of the lower class are drugged out, the lower middle-class are worn out from holding two or more jobs, the mid and upper-middle class join the lower class in being drugged out only they can afford to pay for their drug, and wealthey...well, they are like all the rest of the wealthy, they don't give a damn about anything but protecting their wealth and their play toys.

And don't trash me. I was born and raised in Philadelphia, still have relatives there so I know of which I speak.

[SierraMtns]

4. Hopeless? Philly Always votes Dem

How is that hopeless?

[Surf Cowboy]

6. I agree.

I'm from SW VA. You want to talk about hopeless? I love Philly because it is so much more hopeful than Appalachia. Things can happen here, but not unless a strong effort is made.

[Surf Cowboy]

5. Just so long as you e-mail KYW.

It's OK to be a hopeless realist, but you still have to put forth the 'ol college effort (i.e. order two flats of tomato pie and a keg, get some suntan oil and play frisbee).