Clear, Concise, Uh, Not So Much

The Media Maven is proud to, once again, present the Ambiguous WOWO News Story of the Week:

The Maven's snarky comments are embedded into this journalistic masterpiece....

AN ATTEMPTED ROBBERY IN NEW HAVEN

An Attempted Robbery In New Haven
Created by mmcintyre on 12/26/2013 3:51:27 PM

NEW HAVEN, Ind. (WOWO): An attempted robbery occured today as two men were meeting two other men regarding the purchase of their vehicle.  

Occurred is misspelled. Who is selling the vehicle, the first or second two men?

When the two victims arrived at the scene to purchase the vehicle, they were both confronted by the suspects followed by an arguement.  

It is unclear which pair of men are the “victims” and which pair are the “suspects”? You mean that an argument walked up and followed these men? Oh, and argument is misspelled.

Upon the incident, both victims were pepper sprayed and then shot at.  No injuries were reported.  

What in the hell does “upon the incident” mean? How does someone get assaulted with pepper spray and not be injured?

The first suspects are described as a black male aproximately 6'0" medium build, dressed in black jeans, a black jacket, and a black stocking cap.  The 2nd suspect is described as a black male, lighter skinned, aproximately 5'9" and also of medium build.  He is reported to have a goatee and mustache, also wearing a black stocking cap.  

Now, wait a minute. Does “the first suspects” mean the first pair of men, the second pair of men, or one of the individual men? When you say 6’0” do you mean, “six feet tall”? Does “2^nd suspect” mean the second suspect? Oh, and approximately is misspelled, TWICE.

Both suspects fled the scene in their black GMC Yukon with black tinted windows and no license plate.

If the black GMC Yukon, with the black tinted windows containing the black men with their black clothing and black stocking cap, had NO license plate, how in the world can you authoritatively say it was “their” black GMC Yukon? 

If you have any information you are asked to call New Haven Police.

The Maven is pretty sure that from this news story, the phone at the New Haven PD will be ringing off the hook. 

Social (Media) Responsibility

An alert Facebook friend spotted this today. The Maven has been lead to believe that this is the Official Fort Wayne Community Schools Facebook page. 
Yes, in the corner it really does say "Why The F**K", and the Maven has obscured, somewhat, the obscenity.

A closer look will show that this was posted during the 11am hour yesterday, Monday, December 16th, so it's been on the site for 'a while'.

The moral of this embarrassment for the holier-than-thou administrators of Fort Wayne's most notorious school system is, that if you are going to participate in Social Media, there also comes a responsibility to police your area.

Of course there could be more offensive things on the page, I suppose...like a gun, a Christian Cross, or the American flag.

Is That Mommy's Lipstick?

The 60th anniversary of channel 33's first regular broadcast gave us many pictures and stories about how TV was done in the early 1950's. 

There were no live trucks, no computers, no on-the-scene video. Dick Florea used to tell the story of how the news reporters would carry a Polaroid camera to news conferences and show the pictures on the nightly newscast. 

Weathermen, like Bill Foster, would present the weather on a big, erasable board using stick-on H's and L's, connecting them with hand-drawn warm and cold fronts, and then carefully hand-writing the high, and low temperature, the wind speed and barometric pressure for all to see.

While it's nice to reminisce about the "stone age" of local television, one has to wonder what 21Alive is doing with their Facebook page.

Perhaps it's the Maven, but do you think that 21Alive could find a more enticing, professional-looking graphic to get people to click the link to the story? The yellow arrow is mine, the red blob is theirs.

The Maven also wonders why the paragraph under the picture does not tell more of the story, as opposed to instructing viewers on the fine art of making a comment. 

The story, itself, presents very well....just the gateway link to it looks like something that a toddler would draw using Mommy's lipstick.  

Here is what you would see, if you stopped laughing at the childish and unattributed map to click the link. 

WANE TV - What Year Is It??

Quick! What year is it? 

If you said 2013, then you are overqualified to write a news story for WANE TV. 

OK, it's a cheap shot. One of the things that makes it a cheap shot is that the Maven can always count on WANE TV to embarrass itself, nearly daily, with an error. OK, it's a little error. But, considering the frequency of these little errors, one has to wonder if the people writing the news stories are drunk, ignorant, lazy, inept, or are struggling with English as a second language, since the date of the expected opening, the "spring of 2013", has already past. 

Media Tidbits

The Maven has a few tidbits of media stupidity for your Thanksgiving Day consumption.

While one would consider the morning newspaper, The Journal Gazette, a source of accurate information, one has to wonder how they could botch the name of a well-know road in southeast Allen County. 
To wit: the headline and body copy referring to "Trenman" Road, as opposed to the correct spelling of "Trentman" Road. 

The Maven wonders if the unpaid intern, who most likely created this story, was having a bad day. While one could suggest the proofreader was neglectful, remember, they fired them years ago. The third possibility is that the press release from the County Highway Department contained the misspelling. Either way, the JG missed it, and published it for us all to see. 

Now, part two:

WOWO news dutifully reports about a shooting. However, what makes this story interesting is that, according to the overly lip-glossed "journalists" at WOWO News, police are not looking for a person, but rather, a gun. Strange. Apparently WOWO is not aware of the old yarn "guns don't kill people, people kill people". 

One more:

A perfect holiday drinking game for you. It's very simple. Every time a WOWO News person utters the words "According to your partners in news, 21 Alive".....take another guzzle of Moscato. Winner hits the floor first. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Dead Air Does Not Save Lives

Another severe storm, and the Federated Media cluster goes dark, poof, off the air. 
Oh, the transmitters are on the air, but with no power at the Maples Road studios, all those listeners that might be craving lifesaving 'information,' all they get to hear is dead air.  
The Maven would like to suggest:

But, since you guys are the media experts, the Maven won't dare to question where you spend your money. 

Nobody Reads That Anyway...

"It's just the web page, who give a sh*t? Nobody reads that. We're a TV station for heaven's sake...."

The Maven agrees. 

Beyond Sloppy

The Maven would bet a fine bottle of wine that the WOWO Sales Manager is extremely happy that the WOWO Newsroom does not write sales proposals for him/her.

The shopworn argument from the kids on Maples Road is that "this is radio, we write for the ear". That's fine, unless you publish your "journalism" for all the world to see. Then your readers, listeners, advertisers have no other choice than to think you are either sloppy, ignorant, or just plain foolish. The ambiguous  wordy copy, and being too lazy to capitalize words (including your 'partner in news') illustrates that WOWO News can not be taken seriously. 

What you are seeing is just one of the many pitfalls that radio managers make when they hire news directors based solely on the amount of lip gloss they wear. 

Who Said What?

The Maven is confused. While some of you may have just chuckled, I'll pose my question. 
According to this piece of "journalism", the Indiana Supreme Court has taken over press and public relations functions for the Allen Superior Court. The highest appellate court in the state is now moonlighting as a public information office? 
WOWO said so, so, it must be true. 

ANOTHER JUROR HAS BEEN DISMISSED IN THE DAVID BISA...

Another Juror Has Been Dismissed in the David Bisard Trial 
Created by kmiller on 11/4/2013 9:39:15 AM

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FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): Another juror has been dismissed in the David Bisard trial. The juror was dismissed after apparently researching blood alcohol. This leaves the case with 12 jurors exactly. The case started with three alternates. According to the Indiana Supreme Court, jurors were individually questioned by the judge regarding the research. An alternate was placed on the jury. The court is now in recess.

Sloppy Media, As Usual

Media opportunists. Find a national story with a victim, exploit that story and use a local person(s) to illustrate the local impact. That's how the media works these days. 

WANE TV's story: "Food stamp cuts affecting local families" is a perfect example. Thank you to friends of the Maven for pointing out this story. 

Just one problem. The photo is NOT a local family, and WANE TV forgot about the 7 or 8 bottles of liquor/booze in the picture. 

Does WANE TV know that booze is not an eligible SNAP item? They probably don't care, because their job, as they see it, is to portray people as victims and blame others. That creates division and causes conflict, and that, they feel, increases viewers and ratings. Nicely done, WANE TV. 

It's Daylight-SAVING Time...

After seeing/hearing at least one news story on Friday about "Daylight Savings Time" and hearing one morning radio show argue about it, The Maven would like to pass this along from the AP Stylebook: 

You are welcome. 

Schools Can Post Speed Limit Signs -WOWO News Said So

One can excuse sloppiness, one can even explain spelling and grammar mistakes. What one has trouble understanding is how someone, writing a news story from a press release, can still manage to misunderstand the subject matter and confuse the listener. 

The news story is fairly accurate, but the headline says the school is posting the new speed limit signs. Uh, no. 

Here's a hint: Schools do not have the authority to change speed limits and/or post enforcement sign. Schools educate kids, governmental bodies, including the Indiana Department of Transportation, are tasked and legally authorized to install speed limit signs. 

The WOWO newsroom needs to spend a little more time with the news, and less time with the hairspray and lip gloss. 

CEDARVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TO POST NEW, LOWER SP...

Cedarville Elementary School to Post New, Lower Speed Limit Signs
Created by kmiller on 10/29/2013 10:39:52 AM

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ALLEN COUNTY, Ind. (WOWO): The Indiana Department of Transportation has announced that tomorrow, two "40 MPH WHEN FLASHING" school speed limit signs will be installed on SR 1 near Cedarville Elementary School, on Hardisty Road, west of Leo-Cedarville. The signs will designate an enforced speed limit of 40 mph when flashing, between 8:15 A.M. and 9:15 A.M. and then between 3:15 P.M. and 4:15 P.M. during the week. All other times, the posted speed limit will be 50 mph. The sign installations come after concerns from parents, Cedarville Elementary administration, and East Allen County Schools administration.

The Maven Accepts Your Challenge!

The email to the Maven said "go ahead, pick any news story. I dare you to find just one fXXing error. You dumb bastard". Oh, apparently the memo regarding "the use of company assets and email accounts to personally respond to bloggers and the media" has been rescinded, or someone out there on the south end of town has gone off the Reservation. 

Either way, the Maven will accept that challenge. The Maven's comments are in BLUE. Here goes....

NARCOTICS INVESTIGATION LEADS TO THE ARREST OF TW...

Narcotics Investigation Leads to the Arrest of Two Men 
Created by kblakeslee on 10/4/2013 4:15:39 PM

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FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): On Friday, the Fort Wayne Police Department along with several drug task force teams served a search warrant that led to the arrests of two men.

(your missing a comma after "department" and after "teams") Error #1

The warrant was served at a home on Southpark Avenue after police received a tip that someone from the residence was using methamphetamine.

(Southpark Avenue does not exist in Fort Wayne or Allen County. did you mean South Park Drive? beats the hell out of me) Error #2

During the search, drug paraphernalia related to methamphetamine use was found and two men were also found at the home and taken into custody. 

(during THE search, which search was that? only one search was performed, so the copy should read "during a search".) Error #3

(the last part of the sentence is a run-on) Error #4)

David Snow was arrested for Maintaining a Common Nuisance, Possession of Paraphernalia, False Informing and two outstanding warrants. Snow had no bond.

(Snow had no bond is not an accurate statement and is presented in the wrong tense. Snow was held without bond is correct) Error #5

Tyler Bobay was arrested for Maintaining a Common Nuisance and Possession of Paraphernalia.  Bobay’s charges had a $3,250.00 bond.

(again, with the bond? say that Bobay's bond was set at ......) Error #6

The investigation is currently ongoing.

(while not an error per se, the word "ongoing" is a cliche, a crutch that can irritate listeners. why not just say the investigation continues?)

Return

Media Never Disappoints

Fort Wayne media has little content and very little quality control. The Maven does not feel a need to explain. Even grade school children can see the issue. Media, apparently, does not care how they look. 

News That's Not New

They call it "news" because it's new. So when the Maven received the WOWO tweet with the headline "Homicides on the rise in FW", the Maven's reaction was "no kidding". 

One would have to be living under a rock not to realize that the body count is reaching record levels. This is not news. 
Why WOWO and "our partners at 21Alive" would put an effort into a story like this is questionable, but the answer is clear. Someone at the Fort Wayne Police Department put out a press release, and our intrepid Fort Wayne media took little time in polishing it into a "news" story. At best it's filler or just another exercise in journalistic masturbation. 

When the high-priced WOWO consultant emplored the staff to "relate to the obvious", the Maven is pretty sure this is not what he meant. 

Find the story here:
http://wowo.com/ArticleDisplay/tabid/74/ArticleId/16796/Homicides-on-the-Rise-in-Fort-Wayne.aspx

Maven's Mailbox

A READER ASKS: Just what qualifies you to be a critic of local media?

THE MAVEN RESPONDS: The same thing that qualifies you. The Maven uses the media just as you do. Additionally, the First Amendment guarantees the right of free speech. You and I may not agree, but we are both guaranteed the opportunity to express ourselves. The Maven is more than a little troubled, thought, when media outlets attempt to stifle criticism and/or attempt to intimidate critics. And don’t think they don’t try. That’s the arrogance of media that the Maven often notes in blog posts.

A READER ASKS: What's the f*ing issue about typos. Aren't you being just a little anal? 

THE MAVEN RESPONDS: The media like to position themselves as experts on everything and often think of themselves as somehow intellectually and morally superior to the poor, uneducated bastards who read, hear and view their product. Casual errors make media look foolish. Is it too much to ask for someone to spell check?

A READER ASKS: Why do you make such a big deal when a radio station reprints a press release on their website? You make it sound like they're criminals.

THE MAVEN RESPONDS: There is nothing wrong with publishing or presenting a press release as long as it’s identified as such. But a few news outlets feel there is nothing wrong with presenting someone else’s work as their own. A local TV station has taken a significant amount of heat for cutting and pasting (STEALING) from local blog sites, and passing off the words, thoughts and reporting as their own. The TV station’s solution? Ban the Blogger. WOWO News used to be the biggest offender, but has now begun to identify and attribute press releases to the authority issuing them. Cut and Paste Journalism is deceptive, dishonest, and lazy.

A READER ASKS: How come you hate WOWO so much? Did they fire you?

THE MAVEN RESPONDS: The Maven has never worked for WOWO, but was employed by their current owner 40 years ago. WOWO has made some bad management decisions. The firing and subsequent rehiring of Pat Miller is just an example. Then there are names like Gregg Henson and Dave Wheaton who damaged WOWO’s credibility by their inability to understand Fort Wayne tastes, habits and institutions. Listeners are still suffering from their inept actions. WOWO’s current news director lacks both the qualifications and knowledge to even read a newscast, let alone sit in a journalistic position of authority. There is no excuse for mispronouncing the names of streets, towns, and the names of prominent people and politicians. A pro tip for WOWO: The Indiana Legislature has never had a representative named Phyllis POUND, from New Haven. Once is a mistake, three consecutive broadcasts, that's an embarrassment and credibility-killer. Other than those few points, the Maven is OK with WOWO.

A READER ASKS: Why do you hide behind a pseudonym? Why don’t you use your real name? What are you afraid of?

THE MAVEN RESPONDS: For the same reason that most of the people you hear on the radio, and to a certain extent, see on TV “hide behind a pseudonym. They don't use their real names. The Maven enjoys the freedom to express himself without embarrassing his family and because the FW Media Maven name is more memorable. Maven also has other business interests that are not compatible with media criticism.

Defining and Dividing Us

The news story is about Southwest Fort Wayne getting an ALDI store. But the first paragraph of this Journal Gazette story speaks more about how the Journal Gazette and their bumptious and haughty owners view the 'little people' of Fort Wayne. 

"A different clientele" is the label they use. What's this "different clientele"? Fat people, black people, poor people, stinky people, ugly people? The J-G seems to think that only these people seek bargains and search for value. In their minds, no one shopping at Stein Mart would ever shop ALDI. Does anyone think that the J-G owners pump their own gas? They have 'people' for that, after all. 

Fort Wayne's morning newspaper has a nasty habit of using their news coverage and editorials to categorize and divide groups of people and to exacerbate perceived inequities between those groups. The idea is to create friction or conflict. This creates "news" and sells newspapers and further builds the Inskeep family fortune. The Maven always chuckles when J-G editorials crow about protecting working people, minorities and the disadvantaged while it's owners laugh all the way to the bank. Somewhere exists a stronger word for hypocrite, but the Maven cares not to invest any more time in this story. 

When Is A Robbery Not A Robbery?

From what the Maven hears on WOWO newscasts, the only actual training most of their news people seem to get is:

•  How to correctly turn on a computer, 
•  How to open a Word document, and then 
•  How to save their work. 

Any other skills acquired happen purely by accident. 

Today's example involves a break in and theft from Brown House Restaurant in Auburn. However, the intrepid news writer identifies the crime as a ROBBERY. But, it wasn't. It was, as the WOWO news copy states a Break In, or theft. There is a difference. According to the Maven's personal attorney, and drinking buddy, a ROBBERY is "the act or an instance of unlawfully taking the property of another person by the use of violence or intimidation". Even someone as detached as the WOWO news director can plainly see that the news story does not indicate that anyone (that would be a human or person) had a gun stuck in their face and/or was forced to hand over money or cheeseburgers. 
No, the story plainly states that the establishment was broken into while no one was there and that property (cash) was taken. 

Why is this a 'big deal'? Because, boys and girls, aside from taking another hit in the credibility department, there are legal ramifications. When the media (WOWO News does qualify as 'media', if only in the academic sense) throws around words that are also legal terms and definitions, things can get dicey for prosecutors. It's not a good thing if the local loud-mouth radio station influences the potential jury pool with information that is not only inaccurate, but also false. Remember, WOWO is the station that, last year, convicted a man of murder....even before he was arrested and charged. They've done that twice in the last 22 months. 

Examples like this painfully illustrate that WOWO is only going through the motions.....

WPTA 21Alive Embarrassment of the Day

Nice ad placement guys. Considering what the officer was charged with, couldn't you at least come up with a condom ad? Or a Rape Crisis hotline ad?

It is clear that WPTA 21Alive doesn't care what they put on Social Media. It's only a matter of time before their slipshod hi-jinx on the internet will begin to soil the otherwise good name of their on-air product.  

Nobody Reads That Crap Anyway, Right?

Last week, 21Alive moved Huntertown from Allen to Noble County. Simple mistake, right? 

It's obvious that 21Alive does not really care about their online presence. If they did, we would not see silly errors like this below. OK, so it's a Facebook page, but it is the 21Alive Facebook page. One would think that with the amount of money and resources that 21Alive expends to advance their brand beyond traditional TV, they might take an extra moment and spell check their work. Guess not.

The real shame is that Ray of Hope does good work, and the news story is well done. However, 21Alive drops the ball, again. 

21Alive Needs A Map

This is not about laziness. This is not about a misspelled word or errant typo. This is a text book example of ignorance about the market that 21Alive purports to serve. This is an insult. 

This, otherwise, well-written news story about 2 lucky people, contains an error that even a grade-school child in the Fort Wayne Community Schools could recognize. 

Huntertown is NOT in Noble County. Huntertown IS in Allen County, platted in 1869, incorporated in 1966.

It's difficult for any news organization to expect to be viewed as credible, when they either don't care, or don't know simple information about the cities, towns and areas they serve. 

The Maven is certain that the 4,810 people who live in Huntertown would rather be paying Noble County tax rates rather that Allen County tax rates....but even misinformation from 21Alive  won't change that. 

Journalism vs Faux Journalism

In this day and age of dwindling resources, media outlets are sharing resources and news stories. We've all heard the phrase "from our reporting partners at.....". In theory it's a great idea, but as the devil is in the details, the concept does not always serve the audience well.

It should be easy for anyone to tell which of the news stories presented below is "journalism" and which is "faux journalism". One story is succinct and complete, the other is a disjointed study in ambiguity and poor writing. 

The WOWO News story:

The Journal Gazette story (first 2 'graphs):

The WOWO story seems to imply that the FWCS school board approved making a loan. The JG story correctly states that FWCS's board approved an application for a loan from a State fund. The WOWO story makes it sound like FWCS approved a loan to itself and fails to explain that the money would be coming from a State fund. 

One has to wonder how the Journal Gazette mutually benefits from this arrangement, but that's not for the Maven to determine. All appearances are that the radio people now are legitimately appropriating news content from the morning paper...something they have previously been stealing (without attribution) for decades.

How's It Feel, Tracy?

It was with a giggle, and a sense of irony, that the Maven read a Journal Gazette editorial regarding the alleged over charging of customers by Indiana Michigan Power company.

The fact that I & M got caught holding money they should have refunded is not noteworthy. What is noteworthy is the person that I & M trotted out to explain the situation to the Journal Gazette.

Yes, it's Tracy Warner, former editorial page editor for .... wait for it ..... The Journal Gazette. Yes, the same Tracy Warner who, for years, used the Journal Gazette editorial pages to do the political bidding of the Inskeep family in their efforts to play political king-maker and moral compass to the great unwashed. Now Mr Warner is the "media mouthpiece" for an evil, polluting  public utility. That's how Tracy would have described them if he were still slinging ink for the J-G. But times have changed, and money buys loyalty. 

It's Just A Headline...

Just a headline, but it says so much more. OK, there was a wreck. OK, a part of Illinois Road was closed. But the real message in the headline is that the media continues to try and shape public opinion by demonizing a certain segment of the automotive market. Those evil SUVs. Sport Utility Vehicles are the lightening rod for environmentalists, green energy worshipers, and politicians hoping to advance an agenda and stir class envy.

Consider: would you would never see a headline that says: 

"Mid-Size Compact Crash On Illinois Shuts Down......"

"Sub Compact Crash On Illinois Shuts Down......"

"Full-size Sedan Crash On Illinois Shuts Down......"

"Shitbox Dodge Crash On Illinois Shuts Down......"

Didn't think so.....

The demonizing of the Sport Utility Vehicle has been going on for more than a decade. Read about it here:

http://articles.philly.com/2003-01-10/news/25467223_1_suv-safety-light-trucks-nhtsa

Radio On TV - Watching Paint Dry

Federated Media, doing what Federated Media does best, over promise and under deliver. The concept of simulcasting a radio show on TV has been around since the 1950's, but the PR machine at Federated Media would have us believe they invented the concept. Don Imus, Howard Stern and a few hundred others might want to argue the point. All semantics and puffery aside, beginning September 23rd, WISE TV 33 will simulcast an hour of "Fort Wayne's number one morning radio show" weekdays from 6am to 7am. Why only an hour? If this is really the number one rated morning show in the city, why not the whole thing? Your guess is as good as the Maven's. 

The pitfalls of this arrangement are obvious. Do the performers play to the camera at the expense of the radio listeners, or do they just 'do radio' and provide little visual stimulation? Given that Mr. Butcher has a great face for radio....that answer may be obvious. 

TwoFer Tuesday

Today, two items for your consideration.

The first comes from the infamous WOWO newsroom where budget cuts also must mean spelling is optional.

Our other ditty comes from the Indiana Newscenter monolith.....where someone either has been watching too many episodes of Cops, or out-of-work lawyers are now writing their lackluster news copy. 
Seen today at the end of a news story:

Someone also might be trying to be a smart ass, which, in the news business, is to be expected. 

Let The FedMed iPads Come To Life!

The Maven is not getting enough hate mail from the Maples Road area, so, let the FedMed, (traded out), iPads come to life!

OK, help me out here. Why is it important to note that the murder victim is Haitian? If the little girl we're Caucasian, Creole, or any other race, would it really matter? 

And, then there's the third paragraph:

Looks like were missing a word and some punctuation....but, that's par for the course.  

WEED. They Called It Weed, Dude!

Not counting the WOWO cut and paste fiascos, the worst news writing in town is perpetrated by the crew at WANE TV. 

The story says "in possession of weed". WEED? A little too informal for the Maven's taste. Why not call it Pot, Reefer, Grass, Dope, Ganja, Mary Jane, Hash, Herb, Aunt Mary, Skunk, Boom,Chronic, Cheeba, Blunt, Ashes, Atshitshi, Baby Bhang, Bammy ,Blanket ,Bo-Bo, Bobo Bush, Bomber, Boom, Broccoli, Cripple, Dagga, Dinkie Dow, Ding, Dona Juana (or Juanita), Flower, Flower Tops, Ganja, Gasper, Giggle Smoke, Good Giggles, Good Butt, Hot Stick, Jay, Jolly Green, Joy Smoke, Joy Stick, Roach, Bud? The Indiana statute does not call the substance "weed" and the Maven highly doubts the criminal charges will call it weed. 
Then the 17-year-old is referred to as "HER" student? She's not a teacher, she's a guidance counselor, so how can he be called "her" student? Substitute "a" for "her" and the Maven has no gripe. 

It seems that local media can't find the logical middle ground of putting the facts into a news story. At one end of the spectrum readers/listeners/viewers are bludgeoned with 'cop speak' taken directly from police reports, OR, we get inaccurate information using the trendy vocabulary of the day. Of course, they could all be smokin' dope and don't give a rat's ass. 

Listener Kicks Sand In WOWO's Face

It's one thing when the Maven points out the shortcomings of local media...but when an everyday listener kicks sand in the face of the hapless WOWO operation, the Maven feels vindicated. The fact that this listener did this on WOWO's own Facebook page, is priceless. While the Maven has obscured the listener's name to allow them some privacy, it's clear that those that listen see the fallacy of allowing neophytes to run a radio station. 

Here's the screen shot:

WANE TV Doesn't Care

Whether it's an 'error' or just plain ineptitude, WANE TV owes the family of Blaine Miller a sincere apology.

This type of error is inexcusable and makes all media look foolish and careless. 

Yes, it's a mistake. It's also another example of how local media does not care about what they publish. This sends a clear message to audience and advertisers, that WANE TV is a slipshod operation, merely going through the motions with no desire to be accurate or correct.