Tue, Nov 24, 2009
Shades of USA Today?
A Cincinatti TV news reporter is apparently just getting around
to reading his November 3rd edition of USA Today. Brendan Keefe of
WCPO, Channel 9, followed the GA Bashing parade Friday for
reporting what in reality is a repeat attack on general aviation,
using many of the same misleading, airline-industry talking points
featured in the notorious USA Today article.
Like the original, Keefe's report suggests that only airports
serviced by airlines are worthy of federal aid. In looking for a
dramatic backdrop for his story, he highlighted Alexander Salaman
Airport in Ohio's Adams County, where he claims the only aircraft
parked on the tarmac is a 53-year-old Cessna 172.
Keefe's story is a textbook example of how half-truths tend to
mislead viewers. That airport also has hangars. A quick check of
stats for the year ending in May of 2009 shows 11 based aircraft on
the field.
When we talked with AOPA President Craig Fuller at the Summit in
Tampa, he said the USA Today article stung, but he pointed out that
local reporting on general aviation is often fair, and that local
and state political leaders in general seem to have a better
understanding of GA's role in their economies.
Sadly, Cincinatti's local economy appears to have at least one
local media outlet on the other side of that fight. Perhaps Channel
9 considers dishonest sensationalism necessary in the face of
declining broadcast TV viewership.
It could just as reasonably be suspected as a cause.
Still; there was one saving grace in the piece -- in looking for
someone to provide 'the other side' of the story, the reporter
happened to question one Phil Boyer -- yes, THE Phil Boyer -- the
retired President of AOPA -- who did his best to set the record
straight... well after the article laid out as much negativity as
it could.
Phil Boyer (l)
Phil laid out some great points... which would have significant
impact had they been given the same priority and prominence as the
negativity that espoused the first half of the article.
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