We were pleased to see mention of our KPFZ 88.1 Saturday morning program “Both Sides Now, One Side at a Time” on the front page of the Record-Bee (April 30).
We also are pleased with the general coverage the Record-Bee has accorded the rebirth of community radio in Lake County. We do, however, wish to respond to the concern that our show lacked balance because we didn”t include the Farm Bureau, and the allegation by Farm Bureau Director Chuck March that the show had information that was “misleading or incorrect.”
To begin, as the name of our program implies, our programming philosophy favors presenting issues in at least two parts?the main viewpoint on an issue in the first part, the opposing viewpoint?if any there be?in a second part, and so on. It follows that we think point-counterpoint programs are more confusing than educational.
On the other hand, we like formal debates and are dedicated to providing coverage of such debates in the future. For example, tonight we will be recording the District One Candidate”s debate in Hidden Valley and replaying it on our Friday morning Voices of Lake County show on May 2 between 9:00 am and 11:00 am.
We most definitely would have announced a second part featuring Chuck March and the Lake County Farm Bureau if we thought they had a viewpoint to articulate other than a general rejection of the whole idea on the basis of state farm bureau policy (which position is well documented). Also, we set aside 20 minutes at the end of the program for people to call in. Some did, but not Chuck March.
While we can”t guarantee the integrity of information developed in a round table setting, we do our best and believe the information in that particular program to be accurate, whether or not March agrees with it. We can only assume that March was miffed at having his views characterized without having an opportunity to respond (maybe he heard the program on our replay when call ins can”t be received).
To put things right, we are sending Chuck March an invitation to appear in person or by telephone on one of our shows to talk about the Farm Bureau”s policy regarding GMOs and why he thinks information on our program was incorrect and misleading. We will treat him with the utmost respect. As with the GMO program, we will send out a press release when we know the date.
Stephen Elias
Catherine Elias-Jermany
