Another Lesson In Watching What We Say

From time to time, we tend to hear inaccuracies from the general media, especially when covering aviation stories. From "Boeing A320s" to "a supersonic Cessna"(yep, we've heard it), those who are not "in the know" often stick their journalistic foot right in the kisser. However, CBS's latest volley against general aviation (GA) is just downright shameful.

As I watched CBS' Eye on America segment -- called Airport Terror Targets -- during Wednesday's evening news program, I not only became angry at news correspondent Bob Orr's apparent total disregard of journalistic integrity for not seeking the other side of the story (some of those in the industry can't even spell FAIR), but more disappointed at the so-called "aviation experts" used in the segment who helped stick the proverbial knife even further in GA's back.

It sure seemed like CBS's spin on this issue was plain and simple: Fly-in communities could be a haven for terrorism activity and therefore should implement the same security measures that airports like JFK, O'Hare and LAX currently have. Never mind we're talking apples and oranges here, but nevertheless, that is Bob Orr's apparent assertion. At one point in the segment, Orr asks John Trissel --the airport manager and resident "aviation expert" -- if passengers and their bags are screened before boarding their flights. Rather than inform Mr. Orr that this is a non-commercial airport; a Cessna 152 should not be compared to a Boeing 747; and that the trainer can't even carry any sizeable luggage. Trissel simply agrees that the only on site security is his aging set of eyeballs. Somebody, please wake me up from this nightmare! 

Sure, the problem is CBS's apparently biased reporting, but to be honest with you, it seems they intentionally chose that tone in reporting. On the other hand, the two fly-in representatives interviewed by Orr inadvertently (at least we hope so) helped CBS do a hatchet job on GA security. Perhaps it was the excitement of all the cameras and lights, or simply Bob Orr's wonderful charm that dazed them the same way kryptonite would affect Superman. Nevertheless, it appears they were suckered into saying what CBS wanted. They should have remembered an old rule taught to most kids these days: Don't talk to strangers. Like it or not, some media outlets seem to have an agenda and if they want to talk to you, there usually is a specific reason why. I'm not saying you should refuse to talk with them, but if you dare open your mouth in front of a camera, at least choose your words carefully.

We have to realize that CBS (and other non-aviation media outlets) will continue to report apparent inaccuracies from here to eternity. Sometimes it appears as if they love the blood and guts type of sensational reporting, and could care less about actually investigating both sides of a story. If CBS had a better sense of journalistic ethics, they would have noted that the general aviation industry has worked hand-in-hand with the federal government to implement security measures, when appropriate. They would have also discovered that AOPA's Airport Watch program has been active for quite some time and that it addresses many of the issues they claimed "left an open invitation to terrorists." However, it seems to be a case of CBS not pursuing unbiased and accurate reporting avenues. What a shame.

It's also a shame that CBS never bothered to contact aviation news outlets, like Aero-News, for guidance. After all, aviation professionals are best suited to report on industry matters (after all, that is why Aero-News was launched in the first place) and, just as importantly, be available to assist other entities with their aviation coverage. We are always available to field calls from the general media and anyone else seeking expertise on aviation issues.

While the media will never change, we certainly can. Let's take a stand and make every effort to educate those around us who are ignorant on aviation issues. Folks, that's most of the population. I should point out that many of these people aren't intentionally trying to smear aviation, but frankly, don't have a clue of what's going on in the industry -- just like many of us don't know a thing about oil drilling or thermonuclear physics.

It's all about education, and now we must all be tasked to teach the world about the wonders of flight.

So, what do you say? Will you help? 

In the meantime, I'll sit back and watch for Bob Orr's follow-up report: "Piper Cubs, They Only LOOK Harmless" 

FMI: www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/01/14/eveningnews/main593216.shtml