If we ever needed an example of why NPR should be stripped of federal funding it is the recent dust-up about the firing of the so-called journalist Jacqui Helbert by WUTC. Can someone tell me why my tax money should be used to fund a left wing operation with the likes of Bill Moyers, Nina Totenberg and Garrison Keillor nationally and this little Woodward and Bernstein wannabe locally?
Chattanooga has three local network affiliates, probably 20 radio stations, the TFP and dozens of websites where people of either political persuasion can get their news. So why exactly do we need a NPR outlet?
Not only is NPR funded nationally, but according to news reports UTC "gives" WUTC $500,000 annually. If you figure $20,000 a year to attend UTC, this money would provide 25 students a free ride through UTC annually. In my opinion this would be a much more efficient use of funds for a university that is continually complaining of a lack of funding.
But then people like Jacqui Helbert would have to find a real job.
Douglas Jones
Ooltewah
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Exactly, Douglas Jones.
I was reading the comments of Jacqui Helbert basically stating that WUTC lost their dripping with credibility reputation. Honestly, WUTC could close up shop and a majority of the citizens would not even notice. I attended UTC for five years and never tuned in.
It was very clear that biased reporting, not journalism was the expertise of Ms. Helbert.
Cut the funding of WUTC, no one will notice. Why are taxpayer dollars required for NPR, and other media liberal outlets.
April Eidson
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I am sorry the two detractors of this journalist have feelings as they do. I did listen to the story she aired when it was on air and when it was online. As any good journalist does, she played what the legislator said to her microphone. It was not out of context or with editing done to misconstrue intent. How this becomes the twist some see is pretty amazing.
As for credentials, the legislator failed to state he shook her hand. That involved her putting her mike down and moving recording equipment aside where it was hanging from her shoulder. Then she was able to reach forward with her right hand past her ID hanging from her neck and shake his hand. If he and her detractors could be honest, their dismissal of her would not be possible. They might choose their words and thoughts more carefully.
One piece of wisdom I got years ago was never say to a woman something you would not state with your wife present. The same could be said of being public with your prejudice. Never say to a person what you not say if God were listening. Of course that goes back to a person's capability of living with God's 10 rules.
Prentice Hicks
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In response to Prentice Hicks, just to correct the record. God has many more than 10 rules although I'm certain you are referring to the Ten Commandments. However, even without your error there I can't ignore the ridiculous premise of your argument in favor of a reporter who seems to me to be seeking only the spotlight and a payday.
I say good riddance of old rubbish and let's find a better use for public funding and our tax dollars. We no longer need WUTC or NPR which are both extremely biased in their news reporting.
Don Howard