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NEWS GAZETTE WATCH: THE CHIEF VOTE |
Current rating: 1 |
by Jon Hickel
(No verified email address)
Address: News Gazette Watch |
13 Nov 2003
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Paul Wood and Jodi Heckel did a pretty balanced job of covering the reaction to the Trustee's delay of the vote on the U of I's Chief mascot. This is in marked contrast to yesterday's coverage, by Jodi Heckel, which ended with a plug for the pro-Chief rally. |
TODAY IN NEWS-GAZETTE WATCH:
Paul Wood and Jodi Heckel did a pretty balanced job of covering the reaction to the Trustee's delay of the vote on the U of I's Chief mascot. Read it at: http://www.newsgazette.com/story.cfm?Number=14895.
This is in marked contrast to yesterday's coverage, by Jodi Heckel, which ended with a plug for the pro-Chief rally. See: http://www.news-gazette.com/story.cfm?Number=14888. In the paper version, this article was abutted by an invitation to visit the pro-Chief truck parked outside a local bank. The News Gazette, as we know from years of editorials, has a clear side on this issue.
Yesterday's story gave extensive coverage to the blatantly racist comments of Trustee Marjoree Sodemann: "the Chief is *our* symbol because he represents *our* heritage and *our* history. It is one of the few ways *we* have of teaching *our* children *respect for our forefathers.* I think he's been an honorable symbol; there's not a thing racist about him, and most people want him." (emphasis mine). The student trustee interviewed was on the fence. Where were the comments of Trustee Carol and other Trustee supporters?
Although the story didn't seem balanced, extensive coverage of Sodemann gave her plenty of time to put her foot in her mouth. It is important to hear the pro-Chief folks make justifications because it shows the logic behind their statements. These statements make it clear that the Chief is genuinely an appropriation of the symbol of an oppressed people by a dominant people, with no regard for the history of that oppression.
Perhaps our history books are as guilty of this disregard as the Chief supporters.
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See also:
http://www.newsgazette.com/story.cfm?Number=14895
http://www.news-gazette.com/story.cfm?Number=14888
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Re: NEWS GAZETTE WATCH: THE CHIEF VOTE |
by Jon Hickel
(No verified email address) |
Current rating: 5
17 Nov 2003
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I must add to my own commentary that the paper version of the News Gazette after the vote had 5 large photos of the demonstrations at the trustee's meeting - 4 of the photos were pro-chief, 1 photo showed pro and anti chief demonstrators arguing.
Balanced reporting is a joke at the News Gazette. Now, I have no problem having a right wing extremist news paper in town - even if it owns a right wing radio station - WDWS. But it is wrong when that daily is the only game in the region and eschews the mere concept of journalistic balance on many issues (war, the chief, business, etc). |
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Re: NEWS GAZETTE WATCH: THE CHIEF VOTE |
by Jack Ryan
(No verified email address) |
Current rating: -2
25 Nov 2003
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Dear Jon,
If you think there is a market for a left leaning news paper in the area, why not try a little capitalism and enter the frey. Or you could continue to bitch about the fact that 4% of the population is not represented in the local news media. You could call it THE ANGRY NUTBAG or some other catchy name that would immediately appeal to the people of your political leanings.
Just a suggestion,
Jack
Oh and Go Chief!!!!! |
