Thread: AZ-Imm debate: KGUN9 viewer response is without precedent

Immigration debate: KGUN9 viewer response is without precedent

Posted: Apr 22, 2010 6:00 PM CDT
Updated: Apr 22, 2010 7:20 PM CDT
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Viewers continue to shower KGUN9 News with comments about SB 1070, the proposed crackdown on illegal immigration that now sits on Governor Jan Brewer's desk. The amount of commentary coming to KGUN9 is without precedent, and the river of feedback shows no signs of abating. The number of voices opposing the bill is increasing, but those in favor are still well ahead. Accusations of KGUN9 News bias continue, but viewers disagree about whether our coverage favors the right or the left.

Here is a sampling of today's feedback, presented in random order:

From William Kennedy: "The only fear a Hispanic would have is that they are entering the US illegally. In California they have people of all colors and from all nations. They should all be required to show proper ID and their Immigration status. Bill 1070 does not target just Hispanics but all foreign races that maybe here illegally. It is a fact that the Hispanics are the greatest violator of entering the US illegally."

From "lillian68": "I'm against SB1070! I left California for its racial profiling for both blacks & brown and I sure don't want to have to live in a state where it's a way of life! That's exactly what this law will create. Wake up Arizona & all border states, the minorities are the majority, so trying to figure out who's legal or not is impossible by looks alone.... WAKE UP HOMELAND SECURITY! .... THIS IS YOUR JOB, not the local police they have a tough job as it is and deserve better than having to do dept of immigrations work also."

From "Pcsolis:" "This is racial profiling. It is wrong."

From "Sandra:" "It is never to late to kick out the over 10 million illegals that are here. They need to start over and come into our country and apply for citizenship like the many who came before us. They need to learn about our government, learn to read, write and speak English just like my ancestors did! The American Dream is not a free hand out but unfortunately our government is doing just that. I love my country but I think our government and the people running it all need to be thrown out and let's start over. Our forefathers would be appalled if they saw what has happened to this country today!!!!!!!!"

From "KaREn:" "I'M AGAINST THE BILL!!!!!! It's a waste of time and money it's a racial action. The gov is way smarter than that. THEY SHOULD START THINKING ABOUT MORE INTELLIGENT BILLS. Immigrants are always coming back. LIKE IT OR NOT that's how life is."

From "Frances Buerger:" "Everywhere we go out of the US we have to have a passport, so what is wrong with having the same law that other countries have? Don't know why it shouldn't be a law here too.... Unless someone has something to hide, they shouldn't be afraid to show who they are."

From "kc:" "This bill is not about xenophobia or racial profiling. It is about helping our local law enforcement enforce immigration law. It doesn't matter who is crossing the border, if they are violating US law, then law enforcement should be given the ability to detect and enforce those violations. The governor should step up and improve the situation by signing SB1070 into law."

From anonymous: "In the bill, it states that if a police officer does not ask for citizen status, citizens can sue them and the department. If they do ask for status, they can be sued for racial profiling. This bill puts police officers in a lose-lose situation. Police are already under great strain trying to protect citizens from real criminals. How is this effective policing?"

From Angelica Castro: "Especially Arizona should set the example and do what's right for the people living in this country. I strongly feel that we should no longer accept or turn the other way if you will, when it comes to illegal immigration! This country has been so politically correct but it's time we protect it since I see it losing its identity because of all these people committing the crime of just being here illegally! If I were to go into Mexico, get free benefits, like food stamps, free healthcare, free education without paying taxes -- It will never happen, they would kick me out sooo fast !!!!! Yet we allow this to occur here in the USA! That's why everything is going down hill. Schools are closing due to no money, hospitals closing.... We are not being racist, I am of Mexican decent but my parents did it the legal way! Like everyone else should. Focus should be on the Mexican Government for... not helping its people.... We CANNOT RESCUE THEM ALL!!!!!!!"

From "fedupNaz:" "My family and friends believe that this bill should be signed. We lost a dear friend a month ago because our borders are not secure. This is just the beginning step in securing our border. We also need to beef up Border Patrol and border enforcement. If I have to show proof of insurance when I am pulled over by the police, then we should all be expected to carry proof of citizenship. Raul Grijalva, I am BOYCOTTING you!!! I can't believe you would turn your back on your state and your country like you did on MSNBC. What would you tell Rob Krentz's family who was killed in cold blood because our border security is a joke? We need to quit worrying about offending people when it comes to OUR country's safety."

From Norma Hernandez: "I am absolutely disgusted at what this state has turned into. I am embarrassed to say I live in the most racist state in the country. Illegal immigrants do provide money to this state. They pay their taxes just as any U.S. citizen. The difference is that they cannot claim this money. Everyone talks about the burden that illegal immigration causes on this state but yet they don't mention that there is billions of dollars that is never claimed by them. Illegals do not take jobs from citizens, citizens are the ones that choose either not to work or they do not take a job that is 12 hours a day for minimum pay.... Where would this state be if it wasn't for all those Mexican families that come across the border to spend their money in our store and help our economy, are we prepared to give that up? I don't think so. How many retired U.S. citizens live in Mexico because the U.S. dollar goes further there and yet they are not finger-pointed as being illegals in Mexico. They are welcomed because they help the economy of that country just as the illegal immigrants do to this country. Most of all, we are all human being, it is in our instinct to do whatever it takes to survive and to provide to our families. So before you judge, sit and think what you are willing to do for your family if one of your little ones was starving or your mother is dying because you do not have the money to provide for them."

From Pastor Nellie Starzinger: I live in Benson Arizona.... If one was to look at what the country of Mexico makes one go through to be a Mexican citizen, and what we're making Mexican citizens go through, it would be easy to see, as a country, what needs to be done: practice what Mexico makes US citizens go through to Mexican citizens. If we apply the same laws/rules as Mexico does, I don't think we would have any problems! But until this happens, we NEED to enforce our laws. Illegal Mexican citizens are just as illegal as people from other countries that try to sneak into our borders... Do your job! This is the United States of America. We HAVE TO defend ALL of our borders!!"

Some viewers are convinced that KGUN9 is favoring the left:

From Sandra: "I agree that the news media is biased and they show more of the protestors and having them wave the Mexico Flag around is disgusting. This is America and it is way long past due that we take action against illegals and protect our country and people."

From Wes Stewart: "Re: Atchley's claim that you are trying to be unbiased in the SB 1070 debate. Sorry, I'm not buying it. Your liberal bias in favor of the opponents of the bill is obvious. When your 'reporter' uses words such as 'the masses' when speaking of a few protesters, it's really pathetic. Why the media does this is beyond me, although I'm way beyond being surprised. The American way of life is going down the toilet and you think it's just dandy."

From "Jerry E:" "I find it interesting that you chose to report on 3 police chiefs from states that have a totally different situation than us. Why didn't you report on the opinion of our AZ police chiefs? Sort of par for the course with respect to our so called main stream media networks. Guess their responses wouldn't have fit the story that you would like to push... I can't say that the reporting I saw on KGUN was unbiased, but then I wouldn't expect anything different, unfortunately, from a so called 'main stream network.' I am tired of seeing more coverage of the clowns that are grandstanding for people that are here illegally and their claims of racism, when they are the real racists. Spend some time showing the legal citizens of the country, and those working hard to keep it the greatest country in the world."

Some take the opposite view, certain that KGUN9 is leaning to the right:

From "nonap2:" "Just because you don't think (know) you are spewing conservative hate mongering doesn't excuse you from providing responsible balanced journalism. You're only fooling the choir. Being Hispanic is an ethnicity - not a race. Hispanics are white. You put up statistics that are invalid. If your are going to use the term Hispanic then you should a term like Anglo for non-Hispanic whites. Otherwise, Hispanic and non-Hispanic would be appropriate for a comparison. Go back to journalism school."

From Melissa Molina-Garcia: "Mr. Atchley, I am writing in response to your recent coverage. As a educated professional, I can no longer view your nightly news due to your biased coverage of the Illegal Immigration Bill. Your affiliation with Mr. Jon Justice will no longer be tolerated. I have watched your morning and nightly news since I was a young child, now as a woman who is 35, I have to question if you can provide unbiased news due to your relationship with Mr. Justice. As a loyal viewer of over 20+ years, I will now make the switch to Channel Four. I really think you need to get the minority perspective on the bill, which obviously you lack in your recent coverage. The white rage' view is too much for me and many of my family and friends (who are non-minorities)... A former loyal viewer is who making the switch immediately!"

From Judith Malen: "I watch your station all the time, but I am appalled that you are showing that Justice guy and not showing the other view on the immigration bill. Yes, you 'showed' it, but you FEATURED the Justice opinion. I may have to start watching channel 4 more."

KGUN9 tries hard not to show any kind of bias. As I've observed before, when each side feels we are biased in favor of the opposite side, then we figure we have the tone about right -- which is to say, down the middle.

A word about Jon Justice: Jon works for a sister radio station. His role is to express opinion. KGUN9 does not express opinion. But because Jon is a strong political voice in our community, occasionally he does something that's newsworthy on the political scene. On the day in question, Jon led a petition drive in favor of the bill. It was the only pro-bill event this week in the Tucson area that we know of. As two viewers noted (and objected to) above, earlier in the week we had covered anti-bill protests. Can you imagine the accusations of bias we'd have received if we had covered one side's event, but not the other's?

Please keep those comments coming. (FYI, we have shared a sampling of viewer comments from Wednesday and Thursday with the governor's office.) Send your thoughts to comments@kgun9.com or post your comment at the end of relevant web stories, including this one.

Forrest Carr
KGUN9 News Director


http://www.kgun9.com/Global/story.asp?S=12359974

From "lillian68": "I'm against SB1070! I left California for its racial profiling for both blacks & brown and I sure don't want to have to live in a state where it's a way of life! That's exactly what this law will create. Wake up Arizona & all border states, the minorities are the majority, so trying to figure out who's legal or not is impossible by looks alone.... WAKE UP HOMELAND SECURITY! .... THIS IS YOUR JOB, not the local police they have a tough job as it is and deserve better than having to do dept of immigrations work also."

Just as in this comment. If the Federal Government actually stepped up to their sworn duties and would actually take steps to enforce the borders and the laws and deport these illegals ,then they would still be pissing about the laws and enforcement. They will still complain that it is racist.

viewers still debating Arizona's new illegal immigration law
Posted: Apr 24, 2010 3:52 PM CDT
Updated: Apr 24, 2010 4:33 PM CDT
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Governor Brewer signs SB 1070: complete 9OYS team coverage
12:42
As previously noted, the amount of viewer feedback coming into the KGUN9 newsroom over SB 1070 has been without precedent. Simply put, viewers have blown our doors off with the volume of comments. When I am at my desk, I see the comments as they come in whether they are sent by email to comments@kgun9.com, or posted directly on our website. During peak times on Friday they were coming in at a rate of one every two to three seconds. The sentiment has mirrored state polls, with about 70% or so favoring the immigration crackdown. But those on both sides are very passionate about their views.

It's humbling, and very gratifying, that so many viewers would choose the KGUN9.com forum to share their thoughts. We can't thank you enough for having the confidence in us to rely on our coverage of this critically important issue, and to share your views with us.

We are continuing to get the occasional accusation that we favor one side or another. I've seen enough viewer feedback over the years to have an idea of what causes people to think they see bias. One, whenever we cover an event put on by one side -- such as a protest or a petition drive -- those on the other side tend not to like that. Two, every now and then a reporter, usually in a live presentation, may make a choice of words that irritates one side or another. Example: one of our journalists recently used the word "masses" to describe the number of people who are against the law. Was that description accurate? At least one viewer thought not. Third: sometimes a reporter or anchor will use a tone of voice, or even a facial expression, that one side or the other finds to be an objectionable indication of bias.

But most complaints of bias stem simply from our decision-making -- specifically, the choices we make in deciding what facts to present. Viewers are smart enough to know that when we present a fact, we're trying to make a point. The point we're trying to make, though, is simply that the fact is worthy of your consideration. We do want you to have the full facts, and we work hard to get them to you as our coverage unfolds night after night and week after week. In presenting the facts to you, KGUN9 News is not trying to convince anyone of anything. As I've said before, we try hard not to show any bias. It is our mission to paint a complete picture over time, and to provide a forum within our newscasts and on our website where not just two sides, but all sides can be heard. We know that is never going to happen unless we truly are unbiased.

For the most part, accusations of bias have been split. In other words, if KGUN9 is showing a bias, there is no consensus among viewers about what it is. That's the way we want it. It may interest those on the right wing of the argument to know that some of the activists on the left are just certain we're supporting your side, to the point where some of those activists hesitate to even talk with us on camera. But some on the right are equally as certain that we are in the pockets of the activists.

Special interests spend billions upon billions of dollars trying to influence your opinion, and to affect the way journalists cover the news. It's our duty to resist that pressure, and to remain independent as we pursue the coverage mission I just outlined.

On a personal note, if KGUN9 has a viewpoint, I don't know what it would be. We discuss coverage of these issues every day in our editorial meetings, and we try to create the same approach in those meetings that we are trying to create on the air and on the web, one that's not only open to all viewpoints, but which seeks them out.

We really do rely on viewer feedback to help inform us about whether those efforts are on track. Please keep those comments coming.

Below is a sampling of some of the views we've received over the last 24 hours.

Martin Pier: "I saw your story last night at 9 [referring to the 9pm broadcast on KWBA Channel 44, which KGUN9 produces] and have a few things to add. First that attorney said he does not know haw police will determine 'Reasonable suspicion' which shows how one sided he is. Police are trained in determining 'Reasonable Suspicion' and 'Probable Cause.' .... Another point I want to make is that this law does not say Local Law Enforcement are going to go hunt down illegal aliens. It is more likely that if illegal aliens do not have run ins with law enforcement they won't even feel the pressure of this law. Of course if they commit crimes then they will, which I believe this law was designed for.... On the point of Raul Grijalva, it does not surprise me that he does not care about the people of Arizona, he has shown on many occasions he worries more for Mexico than the own country he supposed to represent. He was against English as a primary language and stronger safeguards to protect our borders. He also was against saving money by proving citizenship to get state or federal sponsored aid, such as ACCHS and food stamps. He should a be a Mexican Congressman not a US one. He does not have the best interests of the US citizens at heart. As much as I dislike his options I this do not agree with whoever is sending his office death threats, that is uncalled for."

Tom Burdon: "How many illegals cross our borders daily? Doing that in any other country may be considered an INVASION!! Keep them out, send them home. The Border Patrol in Arizona alone detains people from all over the world. We are not discriminating against just Hispanics. Just everyone getting in illegally. Quit your whining and get over it. Take back our Country!"

From "Celestial1:" "I am outraged that Gov. Jan Brewer chose to sign SB 1070. This bill is yet one more example of the idiocy being put forth by narrow-minded right-wing Republicans who control the legislature of this state. It clearly does nothing to solve our complex immigration problems or violence along our borders. This regressive law will do nothing more than lead to the harassment and intimidation of people who happen to look Mexican. I believe that the law is unconstitutional and pray that it will be quickly overturned."

Andy Jatczak: "Bravo Gov. Brewer!! As our President stated.... 'the federal govt has failed to act on the issue of illegal immigration.' Arizona sets a new standard for dealing with the issue on a state level. All other 49 states take notice!!! Why is the Hispanic population so upset? Police officers are specially trained to detect signs, signals, and behaviors, of people involved in illegal activities. And I am confident that the outstanding men and women enforcing the laws of the state of Arizona, will enforce 1070 fairly and professionally. I can sympathize with the many statements that most of the illegal immigrants in Az. are 'honest and just looking for work.' But so are millions of American born citizens and THEY HAVE PRIORITY!!! If you want to work in America, God bless you and we welcome you! But enter this great nation in the proper way."

From "Wayno:" "Between 1900 and 1907, my grandparents all immigrated from Italy to the United States. They were scared. They were frightened. They were young. BUT, all of them were processed is legal immigrants through Ellis Island in New York. They came here legally. I am thankful for the sacrifice my immigrant ancestors made to come to this strange and new world. One of those immigrants, my father's father, served honourably in the Armed Services of the United States, during World War I, and later succumbed because of injuries sustained during that great battle. My mother's father, was the ONLY one of the immigrants who ever became a United States Citizen.... Since then however, we have seen Huddled Masses teaming to this shore. The lessons proffered from 9/11: still unlearned. Our borders no more secure today, than they were then.... The state of Arizona, is only doing that which the Federal Government refuses to do. Secure our borders and protect its citizens against the spread of illegal immigration, gang violence, and drug cartels."

From "Frank01:" "So KGUN 9, please answer the question as to why so much attention has been focused on illegals waving the Mexican flag? Show both sides of the story, and tell the whole truth concerning this issue. Giving valuable news coverage time to a group of young students who are not old enough to vote is insane."

From "Horsey:" "I'm grateful that the governor has signed the SB1070 law! Living just a few miles from the I-19 check point, we are subjected to illegals crossing our property all the time & the Border Patrol does very little to protect us! Recently, I was cornered down at our corrals by 8 people who spoke no English & I was very scared being an older woman without my phone at the time! Thank God they left eventually, but calling 911 was fruitless, as they just passed us on to the BP! It took them 45 minutes one time before they finally came out & turned right around & left! Meanwhile, we are stuck going thru the check point everyday with the BP agents questioning us about what we have in our work truck! What a waste of our time & tax dollars in my opinion!"

From "fcontrer:" "There is no hesitation this law will contribute and perpetuate discrimination and racism in this state. My biggest problem with this law is the ramifications it will have on US Mexican-American citizens. I understand the need for border security and the necessary measures needed to maintain "security" along the US Arizona/Mexico border. But when was the last time such a measure was fabricated to tackle illegal immigration issues in the Canadian borders. There are thousands of illegal Europeans, Russians, Asians and others that enter the Canadian borders daily and little is done to eradicate the issue along the US Canadian border. But for some odd reason, the US has a problem with 'Mexicans.' Despite the fact that 'Mexicans' do jobs most W.A.S.P (White Anglo Saxon Protestants) wouldn't. I don't hear of any W.A.S.P. running to do the manual labor jobs these so called 'illegals' are dedicated to working daily. W hen's the last time a young moderately educated W.A.S.P. ran to work as a janitor???"

From "Mom:" "America was indeed built by immigrants. People who were glad to be called American citizens! But with all the Mexican flags I saw today, I wonder where these folks 'allegiance' really lies. It was like a shoving it in your face attitude. That is not the attitude of the immigrants from Ellis Island! My Mother was an immigrant. She became a US citizen and was grateful to be here! She did not go around letting people know where she came from!"

From "E-Minent:" "Get over the Flags and get used to both of them! The Mexican Flag waved many years before the American Flag and will continue to wave by the side of Mexican Flag for Mexican Americans. if you don't like it go back to Europe!"

Editorial note: the issue of protestors waving Mexican flags struck us, too, so one of our KGUN9 reporters asked one of the demonstrators about it on Friday. The answer: the Mexican-flag waving demonstrator told us she is an American citizen, but is proud of her heritage. She added that she has friends and family in Mexico and wants to stand up for their rights, too.

I'm sure that will spark more viewer debate. Perhaps this can be the subject of the next Viewers' Voice column. Send your thoughts on that or any subject we cover to comments@kgun9.com, or you may post your comments at the end of this or any other KGUN9.com web story.

And remember, you can find our of values -- the coverage promises to which we invite you to help hold us accountable -- in the KGUN9 Viewer's Bill of Rights.

Forrest Carr
News Director

http://www.kgun9.com/Global/story.asp?S=12369681