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Saturday, February 14, 2009
Bearcat Radio Bias! The Streetcar Debate
Posted by The Dean of Cincinnati
So a couple UC radio DJs decided to pick apart the debate, attempting to undercut my points and promote their own. (Interestingly, I think one of these hosts might be the same guy who yelled at me during the forum!) In any event, here is the UC radio show, and below are some quick rebuttals to the weird points they try to make. Is this the best they’ve got?
Here is how I intend this strand to work. If you are inclined to listen to the Bearcat show, I have included my chronological responses to the nonsense espoused by these DJs. Feel free to follow along!
Response to commentary provided regarding my introduction:
I started my presentation with a narrative. I never suggested that the people in the room did not know from where electricity comes, but I was just introducing my theme. Ironically, one of the DJs says, “These 17 year olds who don’t know where electricity comes from are now old enough to vote.” Kind of makes my point, huh?
They also claim that we can buy green energy credits. True. But that doesn’t mean we will have burned less coal. We have have just added a new purchase going towards wind energy to our coal burning. Anyone can buy green energy credits. We could run a bio-fuel trolley and buy green energy credits.
Interestingly, the DJs say Schenider kept correcting me. Of course, they provide no examples.
I was actually criticized for wondering the cost of operating the streetcar!
Buses have a shorter street life, but they are so cheaper to replace!
The DJs say we have different leadership in City Hall compared to the stadium deals. Apparently they have never heard of Jeff Berding!
The DJs also seem unaware of the fact that 3CDC has told landlords they would buy buildings only if they vacated them, so 3CDC gets credit as buying vacant buildings!
If a painted line is an idea from the 1970s, then from when is the idea of a streetcar!
I was quite specific in defining environmental, economic, and social sustainability. Schneider did not use specifics. He showed happy pictures and avoided detail.
On commentary post-Schneider:
The DJs are criticizing parked cars. Why? As Schneider pointed out later, the City will lose only 18 parking spaces. What is their point?
They say, “If you remove cars from the equation…” What does that mean? The streetcar takes driving lines and makes them permanent parking lanes. If they get less cars in OTR, there will just be empty spaces!
On the commentary regarding audience questions:
1. They say they “think” free fares are subsidized. But what about Portland’s $4 million operating deficit. They are also criticizing how people “think” roads are free and public rights of way. Would a tire trolley system be less subsidized? Yes! Why? It costs less? How many hours are the lanes used during travel? During rush hour! When it suits them, the routes are fixed; when it does not, no one knows where the routes will go!
2. The DJs says there are people who won’t ride a bus because they don’t want to learn Metro routes. I never advocated for using only existing Metro lines. I have said we should add closed circuit downtown routes. If people can’t figure that out, a painted line (rather like a rail, but significantly less expensive) shows people where the route will go. What is so difficult about that?
3. Interestingly, one DJ said I was “making up” this idea that streetcar advocates are anti-car and anti-suburb, then the other DJ said that the two car household is a source of the entire country’s credit problem. Then he said that, when he was growing up, his family had one car and his dad rode the bus—but now they have six cars due, presumably, to the grown children buying their own. Huh? What is the point to this? A two-car household (which really means a household where husband and wife work, perhaps not near where they live, while also getting kids to school) is problematic? As I said, it seems they are anti-car and anti-suburb—even, perhaps, anti-neighborhoods that are not center-city! One DJ says that Cincinnati politicians are not fighting for transit. Interesting, since earlier they talked about how we have “new” leadership.
Also, they actually characterize the streetcar as a logical response to people who wish to drive less. This deserves some attention. They accuse me, earlier, of engaging “legalese” and trying to complicate the issue—but they are doing precisely that right here. First, what streetcar line are they talking about? Is it the one with all the extensions, which would take us to the $200 million price tag? They didn’t like when I cited that number! Or, are they talking about the downtown circuit only? Who knows! The truth is that this downtown circuit will not provide many area families with a transit option—it is a small downtown loop!
A note of explanation on the car I was “given.” Schneider’s question threw me off, and I’m an honest guy. I had a car for which I paid myself. My dad bought a new one, and wanted to sell me his old one for whatever price I could get should I sell my old car.
It was an interesting proposition. I had a 1997 Saturn with 100,000 miles on it. My dad had a 1996 Toyota Avalon with 135,000 miles on it. His Avalon had more bells and whistles than my Saturn, but my Saturn was a good car. I really didn’t know if I should take him up on the offer. But I did. I sold my Saturn for $1,000, and then gave that money to my dad for his car.
So, it’s not quite accurate to say I was “given” the car. That’s the short answer. I know what it is like to buy a car and make car payments. My Saturn was paid off at the time of this trade. So sorry for the confusion, Mr. DJ.
Finally, they talk about swerving around buses on “safety stops.” They say they don’t understand how swerving around a bus is different from swerving around a streetcar. Do they not understand that a streetcar is locked onto its track?
4. The DJs, once again, say there are people who are not willing to ride a bus—but they offer no explanation for this curious statement. Is this more of the streetcar snobbery? Is this because some “urban pioneers” think buses are for poor people? Are we being asked to subsidize classism?
One DJ also asks, “Can we look at data to see if streetcars cause congestion?” Yes. Do it. I dare you.
5. The DJs call this bit Schneider’s strongest moment! This was his most ridiculous moment! He says we should have energy efficient homes. Okay. We should have more people living downtown who also work there. Great. But why does that excuse us from choosing the more environmentally friendly transit option? They refuse to acknowledge this simple point! Interestingly, one DJ, again, says they are not anti-suburbs, and then they go on a rant against the suburbs. Unbelievable! Do the far-out suburbs waste land. Of course! But they are here now! So what, do they want to tear down West Chester? Get real! These kids can’t get their head around the reality of burning coal!
So yes, I did start my introduction with a story about teaching high school kids, who are now old enough to vote, from where electricity comes. These guys seem to know it is from burning coal, but they can’t face the reality of it, and all the implications of it!
6. These DJs don’t understand population density. They site numbers, and say that Cincinnati has the same density. But let’s take a closer look. From a land-area perspective, Portland takes 145.4 sq miles. They have a population of 575,930 with a density of 4,199.17/sq mile. Cincinnati takes 79.6 sq miles in land. We have a population of 332,252 which equates to a density of 4,262.3/sq mile. Now, let’s look more closely. So Portland has more people, and more space. Cincinnati less people, and less space. But these are averages taken over the area as a whole. Within the City as a whole, what are the most dense areas—and is OTR (the first place for streetcar implementation) reflective of this type of density, compared to where the Portland streetcar is located?
So we can’t just look at broad numbers, like the DJs would prefer. The most generous 2007 Drill Down numbers put total population in the CBD and OTR at under 10,000. The Portland Streetcar has a four mile loop (similar in length to the first phase for Cincinnati) going through Portland’s “Northwest District”—which has over 11,000 people living in it. This is not near the University. See the difference? There is higher density along the routes.
7. Once again, the DJs start by failing to remember, for example, that current City Councilmember Jeff Berding was one of the major players behind the failed Stadium deal. But that is not the point, nor is it the point to say that was a County, and not a City, issue. The point is that our politicians, like Jeff Berding, do not have a track record with real returns on their promised big fixes. Also, these DJs don’t understand how “technology” works. Streetcars on rails powered by overhead wires from electricity that is made by burning coal—that is old technology. But as I mentioned earlier in the forum, the UC research department is looking into even cleaner ways of implementing bio-fuels. That is new technology.
Then they decided to attack the person, just calling me “ridiculous.” What was ridiculous was John Schneider’s slide show, as if that was a persuasive and informed argument.
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14 Feb 2009 at 02:45 pm | #
I agree with you, the DJ’s are a couple of mindless talking heads. Heck, turn on AM or FM radio (can you say “The Bob & Tom Show”?), look at who they draw their inspiration from.
My dial is on 91.7 almost exclusively because I can’t stand the drivel from most of the other stations during “talk time”.
14 Feb 2009 at 04:36 pm | #
And Roxanne Qualls.
14 Feb 2009 at 04:46 pm | #
You should contact these guys and tell them you would like to debate them over the phone so you can respond, or are they too scared to do that?
15 Feb 2009 at 12:15 pm | #
Someone has been saying that we refuse to post critical comments—which is not a true statement, given the intense (and thoughtful) debate happening on other strands.
This person just left a comment saying nothing, other than that we had deleted a comment. There are a number of people who help with comment moderation, but I DID delete that comment. (It said nothing, after all.)
But, I also sent an email provided by the comment writer. I have requested a copy of all deleted comments, and I will address the situation.
If the person has legitimate points, we will post them. If the person just wishes to hurl personal insults, we will not.
15 Feb 2009 at 12:16 pm | #
As the person posted their email in public, here is the message I sent:
15 Feb 2009 at 06:52 pm | #
These kids don’t have a clue how to do broadcast radio like we did. The majority of the local broadcasters from UC worked at the station and they will tell you- it was done Professionally. I don’t think it is monitored by CCM anymore! If we got too far out- and we did in the 70’s and 80’s we did get into some trouble, maybe a talking too, but we were monitored to a point.
Student Radio in this town doesn’t exist since all the stations have been sold or are run as NPR stations. Not as student stations. Sad- we use to break big musicians about 2-3 years ahead of the curve!
16 Feb 2009 at 03:24 am | #
A response to the “Former UC Radio Station Alumni” and the Dean of Cincinnati:
Before I comment, we would appreciate it if you referred to us as students, at least, and not as kids. As a director of Bearcast Radio (as a note to The Dean of Cincinnati, please fact check before you posting), it is an insult to say student radio does not exist.
While Bearcast is not a terrestrial station, it is indeed a legitimate student radio station. We are completely student-run, broadcasting student and faculty DJs from 10 am to 2 am. While some of our DJs may not be the most experienced, we are all in it for the same reasons: experience in the field and/or the love of music. We are still “breaking big musicians”, Mr. or Ms. Alumni, and if you would only give our station a chance, you would see that.
Also, the DJs whom you speak of are some of our best, and I stand behind them 100% for getting involved in the community, and at least shedding light on a topic that other students may not be aware of. Furthermore, I applaud them for obviously getting the attention of others in Cincinnati. At least you cannot say that college students don’t care about what’s happening in Cincinnati.
Finally, yes, you are correct in assuming CCM does not “monitor” our station. We have very responsible, hardworking directors who monitor our programming and our DJs, and I see nothing wrong with a little critical analysis of a hot topic in Cincinnati politics. If you’re worried about a more adult authority figure, we also have a faculty adviser and former radio professional who I’m sure would be more than happy to speak to you about our format and programming.
16 Feb 2009 at 04:43 am | #
Beacon Bias! The Streetcar Debate
Your claims of bias on the part of Bearcast illustrate not only your lack of understanding of how media and opinion operate, but also your misunderstanding of how to foster a healthy dialogue between two opposing viewpoints.
At every step, you defer to a sentiment resembling “YOU MEDDLING KIDS!!!,” which not only debases your position, but strengthens the position of Travis, Jake, and others who support the streetcar movement.
You may have valid points. Anyone who supports anything besides Holocaust Denial has valid points. However, the fact that you have to rework and rephrase your talking points based on even the lightest criticism indicates that you didn’t state them clearly or properly to begin with. You are responding to criticism of your debate by revising your argument, which invalidates what you were trying to say in the first place.
Moreover, I resent your implications (and the implications made in the comments) that Bearcast is poorly run, or some kind of sham. College radio, at its finest, should put forth honest criticism and do things that can’t be done in the big world of professional airwaves. Explore Cincinnati, as a show, exemplifies this by EDUCATING and AGITATING. Effective activism angers the right people. It’s proof that there are people at UC who know and care about what happens to our town. Their criticism of YOU only inconveniences YOU, and the existence of an audible counterpoint to the anti-streetcar side of the argument is nothing but healthy for the debate as a whole.
Bias in the media is not unethical. It exists all over, and is an acknowledged fact of life. To bandy the term about is a redundant act of self serving attention grabbing. If there was a show dedicated to patting you on the back and performing all kind of lurid favors for your argument, we wouldn’t hear a peep from you, but that would be just as “biased” as the opposite. The audience for a radio show is self selecting, just like the audience for this article is. You give listeners no credit for being able to discern the angle of a show. Instead, your implying that listeners need to have the record set straight is insulting at best.
In the interest of full disclosure, I must admit that I too am a DJ on Bearcast, and as the assistant to the programming director, I have a great deal invested in what gets on the air. Explore Cincinnati is a tremendous asset to our station, and I’ve got to thank you for bringing controversy to the show. Bearcast can only benefit from being considered active participators in the Cincinnati community.
I am posting this comment as an article on my own show’s site, just in case you see it fit to not approve its addition to the list. It can be seen at http://www.donttreeriddle.com. Healthy debate is never silenced, it just gets quieter in one location and louder in another.
16 Feb 2009 at 08:58 am | #
I did not “revise” a single point. Prove otherwise. (Unless you mean how I acquired my current car—hardly a point relevant to the discussion.)
Are you serious? In other words, it is okay to put me on full blast, making wild claims about my position on the radio, but providing a point-by-point response is not okay? If “setting the record straight” in an insult, then so was the commentary by the DJs.
It can also be insulted, as you have done by implying I should not have posted my response to the DJs.
I did not say the radio station was poorly run, that was a commenter. Don’t confuse the two; we’re different.
By the way, typos and fact checks are totally different things. Get a grip.
16 Feb 2009 at 08:59 am | #
And while on the topic of “fact checking,” maybe those DJs should check their facts on coal burning and population density INSIDE THE STEETCAR ZONE phase 1.
16 Feb 2009 at 09:31 am | #
Do some history background and talk to some of the former WFIB alumni-and you will find that they are all over the United States from being the former Anchors at WNBC and KABC to the current anchor of the morning NBC station in Tampa. Also several of the WFIB members have gone on to work in major positons with the Armed Forces Radio/Broadcast units stationed all over the world.
The station was begun in 1963 in the basement of a building that is about where the baseball field is today. And more than 1000 professionals have graced the air. Even a few with Peabody awards. So we had to learn and learn fast.
Also in the “DAY” we broke more major news stories before the television staions- because we had interns working there and knew about it. And we have the tapes to prove it. In terms of my own experience- I have interviewed- STING=no one knew who The Police where then!, DEVO, The entire Mallory Family and Fred Shuttlesworth during black history month as well as Angela Davis-who was underground at the time!
Student Radio at UC got sold down the drain when the University sold WGUC. So- you are just playing Radio. As I said- go back and talk to the alumni- there are sites on Facebook- and on the Alumni database- and you will find out- that you NEVER edit anything without a disclaimer- before you run the story. Basically journalism. Are you a member of the Student Radio Association that ASCAP and the National Assocation of Broadcasters sponsor? Have you met those standards?
If you have faculty oversite- you should have been taught that in class or in your orientation to the news department- which I use to be the Director of prior to being the Business Manager- and yes- we had our own budget of 10K that we sold our own comnmericals and funded all of our own road trips to cover ALL sports eventes- YOU NEVER TAKE THINGS OUT OF CONTEXT to fit your views. Stay neutral.
History should teach you something- always has- and always will.
16 Feb 2009 at 02:07 pm | #
UC Radio Alum commenter: Your attempts to attack the station are laughable. Yes, we are still part of CCM—the Electronic Media Division to be specific. Yes, we have faculty oversight. I can’t say that we “break” a lot of news stories, but on my show, we certainly cover a lot of stories you won’t see on the local TV news or hear about on local radio.
We are not just “playing radio”—We in fact have a lot of innovative programming, dedicated DJs, and we still play a lot of small artists before they end up getting big. We are still a member of several college radio organizations and we do, in fact, still sell and produce our own advertising to support the station.
Don’t imply that I did something inappropriate with my radio show. I did not edit out any part of the debate relating to the questions asked or either speaker’s response. I also thought I made it clear that we would be playing back the debate as well as adding our own commentary. How is this inappropriate?
Also, I am familiar with that fact that many our alumni that have gone on to successful careers in broadcasting. You taking the time out of your day to attack a student organization is an indication that you were not one of them.
16 Feb 2009 at 02:36 pm | #
We have a point of view, but we invited Streetcar advocates to write hear. If you’re only interested in creating an echo chamber I don’t see how that furthers the discussion about mass transit at all. You could’ve invited the Dean on your show and tried to question his points or arguments, but I guess its easier to just talk amongst yourselves than really engage in a real debate. Sure, you can do whatever you want and you are entitled to your opinions, it just would be a lot more interesting and productive if you had divergent views colliding. I don’t think you’re ready to debate him.
16 Feb 2009 at 03:00 pm | #
Word went out about this story and there are 3 former alums that have made comments. And dearest student-I had a network contract at 18 years of age and worked for ABC SPORTS for several years before coming home to have a family. All while being a full time student.
So while you are making an attempt to “play” radio- yes- several former’s have listened and realize that you are no where close to the level of the station in the 60’s-70’s and early 80’s- you need to stay in school and get a real education-since the Media is laying people off right and left! Hope you have a second major- and for the record- I do have a Masters and it isn’t in Electronic Media or Communications- because of the greast turn over.
Also Your beloved President and changing of the Dean-revolving doors- has taken a world class program and most people are going to NKU or Ohio University these days. When we applied there were over 3000 apps for 51 spots and the selection process was difficult. Obviously-they have lowered the standards.
So glad you have the day off to try to bash-I’m just calling it like I’ve heard it since it started. If you had the guts- you would have pushed the University into applying for a low level license and become real. They don’t trust you on the air-thus the sale of ‘GUC! At least we were available without the internet and able to be picked up within 2 miles of campus. You can’t say that! And shouldn’t you be studying-since you have the day off?
16 Feb 2009 at 03:07 pm | #
As a former alumni of the former student radio station,WFIB-I find the reaction of the students to be totally that, students- kids. They have not done the research that there are several UC students who live in North Central Section of the city- that already take the #17 bus as a commute. They don’t even realize their own demographic!
Kids-take a breather and before you take on something like the Beacon that has research out the Whazzzoooo…get your facts straight and stop coming off like you are “real”.
And the other Alum you bashed-was not only a well known DJ-but had a successful network career. So what are your plans now that Clear Channel et al- have cut down to the bones?
16 Feb 2009 at 04:43 pm | #
As the faculty advisor to BearCast I thought I would make a few points.
First, I know many of the WFIB alumni and I admire them a great deal. In fact, a former WFIB member was influential in BearCast receiving university funding in 2000 and another helped generate a significant gift to the organization. The WFIB’ers I know have been extremely supportive of this college “radio” outlet.
But please let me stand up for the current student staff as well. Did any broadcast radio station in town provide coverage of this debate? Did it get any airing on local tv? We may quibble with the elements of the studio conversation that occurred between segments, but let’s not lose site of the fact that BearCast led the way in providing coverage for this important debate.
Please critique their work…I already have…but don’t talk down to them. That’s not constructive.
I know BearCast is not perfect, but neither was WFIB. I know…I have the recordings. A former WFIBer runs Cincinnati Bell and a former BearCast director is now a professor at Carnegie Mellon…we both have success stories to brag about.
These students are learning and college radio should be a safe outlet for helping them find and develop their points of view. I for one intend to support them as they make the journey toward professionalism.
16 Feb 2009 at 05:02 pm | #
“And dearest student-I had a network contract at 18 years of age and worked for ABC SPORTS for several years before coming home to have a family. All while being a full time student.”
I, too, am a full-time student, as well as a DJ at the prestigious WOXY.com, one of the most well-known modern rock radio stations in the country.
We are not “playing” radio. We are an official student radio station, and do not feel that a frequency is necessary to “legitimize” us. See: WOXY.com.
If you had the guts- you would have pushed the University into applying for a low level license and become real. They don’t trust you on the air-thus the sale of ‘GUC! At least we were available without the internet and able to be picked up within 2 miles of campus.
First of all, we have “pushed” for a frequency many times. As you are certainly aware, the economy is not the greatest, and money doesn’t grow on trees. Consequently, we simply do not have the money for the license. If you are such an illustrious alumni, why don’t you donate some money so we can become the great station you saw in your hayday? Furthermore, even if we were able to acquire a license, it doesn’t mean there is a frequency available. As for our DJS not being trusted on the air, we would love to have you speak to our student body and educate us poor, ignorant souls about what it means to be true DJs. After all, not all of us fervently follow the greats like Rush Limbaugh.
Finally, to “Whoa Doggies”:
So what are your plans now that Clear Channel et al- have cut down to the bones?
You couldn’t pay me to work for Clear Channel. I’m perfectly happy for working for WOXY.com, an independent station that isn’t owned by that power-hungry monopoly that couldn’t care less about the music. My job at Bearcast is about the music. Music is my passion, and if it was yours, you too would be happy that Clear Channel is failing. Maybe it means I won’t have to hear Rihanna and Nickelback played eight times in a day.
16 Feb 2009 at 05:05 pm | #
Dr. Owens,
Thanks for stopping by. Perhaps I should not have referred to them as “kids” (though, to be fair, the phrase “college kids” is a popular phrase). However, I am willing to apologize for that.
Nevertheless, I suffered a great many insults from your student DJs. So while they DID provide coverage, and while I am pleased the material has been made available, I think it’s fair to wonder if they are prepping for talk show formats like Willie Cunningham, or if they are going to be serious commentators and journalists. Either way is fine, of course—money is to be made on each format. But I wonder which is their point?
16 Feb 2009 at 05:41 pm | #
Dr. Owens,
It’s great that they provided coverage, but it would have been better if they had provided fair coverage. I hope that you have educated them about the fairness doctrine. The poo bah pundits that know so little about so much have done a lot of harm to this country and we don’t need any more Limbaugh’s or Cunningham’s. I think we need to set the bar higher.
I think it’s great that these students are learning and college radio provides a safe outlet for helping them to find and develop their own points of view. I just think they would do well to bring someone on with a different perspective. I don’t think their commentary was constructive or furthered the discussion, do you?
16 Feb 2009 at 05:50 pm | #
There are little to no “records” of WFIB. That is one reason why there is a LARGE alumni group out there that is trying to piece the years together. We have been looking for former DJ’s that were attending other colleges other than CCM and have lost total contact with them.
What little recordings exist are of the jingles packages that were purchased, person air checks that people have in THEIR possession, and memories.
Personally the WFIB group has lost over 8 members in the past 5 years. People that could fill in the blanks, but unless there is a new communication to heaven- isn’t going to happen.
So- can you tell me- from your records- who was the on air personality Fall 1977- from 8 am to 10 am. Because we can’t remember and would like to include them.
Also- what happened to Dr. Love- the most popular DJ the spring of 1978- who did midnight to 3 am playing disco! We’d love to know what happened to him- he had talent. His show was sold out for months- at a whopping $10 on the rate card! Oh yeah we had those too!!! You got copies of those- I doubt it.
Dr. Owens- you have stirred a debate that isn’t healthy for the division. Hope you are happy.
As for the person working at WOXY- Congrats on a real job- but you can’t live on that salary. Only the huge will survive- and thrive with their automated garbage! And they don’t need you!
There are no records other than maybe some financials- and I’ll call ya on this one! And I am an active Member of the group that gets together several times a year and yes- we do compare ourselves to your students. We were NOTHING like them. And The Dean is Right-Shock Jocks are not objective journalist- and you should be teaching that since there are none in this town!
16 Feb 2009 at 06:01 pm | #
WOXY JOCK
The Great Rush Limbaugh???
OH PLEASE! Give it a break- and stay on the internet and be happy.
Frequencies were auctioned off about a year ago- and one went in the Cincinnati Market for…..$6K. So want a handout? Hell no- go work for it and if President Zimpher can blow out Deans, and leave Calhoun Ave. Looking like a bomb hit it…you could have gotten into the lottery. Yeah it was a crapy location and low frequency, but it was real!
And as for the students acting like journalist, if one of them did yell and interupt The Dean, Dr. Owens: you want to say that is “Professional”?? What kind of journalism are you teaching?
The streetcar debate is turning into a non-event. The Beacon was on this long before anyone else. And The Dean does his research, so learn something from someone who has been around. Respects to The Beacon Staff.
16 Feb 2009 at 06:50 pm | #
The Dean: I completely agree that the hosts of Explore Cincinnati had a particular slant to their commentary. This is a talk show and not a news program. However, I have encouraged them to allow the opposing side a chance to respond and I hope they do. Also, if you or any of the other posters knew Travis Estell personally you would not compare him to a shock jock. Although now his friends will probably tease him about this to no end!
Yet Another Alumnae: The WFIB Story…compiled June 1976, remastered 2001…some good stuff and some silly college radio stuff…the way it should be. Drop by my office and I’ll burn you a copy.
Alums do listen and not all like what they hear!!! : I said the students are on a “journey toward professionalism”...they haven’t arrived yet. I don’t know a broadcaster alive who doesn’t cringe at their early airchecks.
16 Feb 2009 at 07:23 pm | #
Dr. Owens,
That DVD you have a copy of- I have it as well. Gee Wonder why? Ever think I or some of my close friends were responsible for it? Or maybe I produced some of it? Great assumption!
If that is the only record you have- you are missing several years. That is not the full record. Just memories of what people could dig up! The later years are missing! There are pictures-the jingles and talks about the early years- but nothing from 1975 on. So you don’t have ALL the records. Please- get it correct yourself!
What I am still disapprove of is how you are defending your students for disrupting a meeting, not being professional enough to do some research before you open a mike. We were required to do that before we broke any story.
Proud of our early air checks- Hell no! But I know that before I did an interview- Angela Davis, when she was still underground- I spent time doing research. And I have an FBI file for that interview! Well worth it- no other station in the city had it and I was interviewed by them as well as an Enquirer story. It was me and a Nak alone at Myra’s!!
Bottom line is - don’t defend your students outburst, slanting a story, Changing copy, creative editing and the like. It is poor journalism.
Yes it is a learning tool, but several of the alumni here have had valid points that you are just being defensive of. You can only learn from your mistakes and get better. Let’s hope that this debate has caused your students to realize that you have to be accountable for their broadcast. You don’t do what they did. Teach them about ethics in Journalism. Too bad Ben Kaufmann, Jon Hughes and the like aren’t teaching out of A & E. They could learn a great deal from the masters of Journalism in this town.
I know before The Dean and Justin throw something out here- it is fact checked and re-fact checked. And if it isn’t passing the smell test it gets scrapped- and never to see the light of the blog. Your students need to do the same.
Shame on you- and damn my diploma!
16 Feb 2009 at 08:04 pm | #
Ah…
I am not aware of a BearCast member disrupting the debate. If it happened it is wrong. I am basing my commments on what I heard on the Exploring Cincinnati program.
I never claimed to have every recording of WFIB. I’m sure you can’t claim to have listened to every program on BearCast since 2001.
I am completely open to constructive criticism of BearCast and going through this experience will only make them better.
16 Feb 2009 at 08:07 pm | #
Are there any public pictures of these guys? I’d recognize the guy who yelled at me.
He had a camera, taking pictures from roughly the angle featured in the photo on their website.
16 Feb 2009 at 08:59 pm | #
Dr. Owens,
Why not read the entire context of The Dean’s Story before you make comments?
This is what has the old alumni upset. We never would have exhibitted this behavior. We had instructors that were all over us when it came to news gathering.
We were taught to be nonpartial- to listen and learn and report. Not interupt someone who was speaking.
Now maybe some blue humor got by- but never when it came to covering news.
Now you understand why so many people are un-happy?
16 Feb 2009 at 09:16 pm | #
Alumni:
In my last post I stated that I can only speak to the program itself, not actions within the debate room. If in fact a BearCast member yelled during the debate then that is clearly wrong.
The Dean:
In your opinion,are there sections of the debate that are not included in the “Explore Cincinnati” podcast?
16 Feb 2009 at 09:24 pm | #
Do some people think that the BearCast DJs made all of these comments DURING the debate?
These comments were post-debate during their show the following day.
Plus, I agree with The Dean that they should have included an opposing voice during their discussion.
16 Feb 2009 at 09:48 pm | #
I still think several people are missing the point that we played back the debate AND added our own commentary. I made this very clear at the beginning of the show. Since when are people prohibited from expressing their own opinions? None of the comments my guest or I made were rude, so I’m not sure how the term “shock jock” has popped up. Also, the people claiming that I have not done any research before “getting on the mic” are totally wrong.
I would also like to point out that the recording of the debate WITHOUT any additional commentary, which is posted on this very website, was also recorded and produced by me. So if you want to listen to the debate without my “spin,” feel free to do so.
Jason, I think you brought up some legitimate issues during the debate. However, many of my criticisms were in regards your questions that I believe have already been answered. I would like to continue this discussion on my show in the future, having you or other people with anti-Streetcar views on the show. I’m interested in hearing all of the arguments, and I’m always willing to learn and reconsider my opinion based on new facts.
To those of you bashing Bearcast, students in the media field, or anyone else for that matter, please stop your personal attacks and stick to debating the issues. I’m willing to listen to criticism if you’re not going to dismiss me as “some meddling kid.”
Finally, no member of Bearcast was involved in the question that was yelled out during the debate. There were five Bearcast members in the room at the time—two of them operating cameras, one of them recording audio, one taking still photos, and myself.
16 Feb 2009 at 09:53 pm | #
There’s really no way of knowing who the idiot was that was yelling during the debate, but I don’t think we have any proof that it was the DJs so let’s not go on any further about that. Whoever it was, shame on them and they already made a fool of themselves in front of a bunch of people.
Dr. Owens, my only beef with them is that they failed to have an opposing voice so I appreciate you encouraging them to try to give a more balanced presentation in the future. These are important issues that affect our future and we need thoughtful discussions about them. Also, I applaud the efforts of those media students that recorded the event and am glad I didn’t have to film the event and put it online myself.
17 Feb 2009 at 01:09 am | #
It’s one thing to say that on radio, but can you please provide us with some evidence or a link to back up your claims or criticisms? Thanks!
17 Feb 2009 at 07:33 am | #
I would need to listen again, but I’m not sure this is an accurate statement. I’m not sure calling me “ridiculous” is the height of polite society. (Not that I didn’t turn around and call Schneider’s slide-show “ridiculous,” but I was just slinging back the mud you threw my way. Admittedly, I can be very rude myself when I get engaged on that level. It is a character flaw. My apologies.)
17 Feb 2009 at 06:11 pm | #
Justin asked for the proof- now KIDS- where is it?
You jumped all over people on this post- and it looks like you may have pissed off some alumni with it- now how about the follow-thru like a journalist should do when asked?
And maybe because of this- you should add a link to BearCAST so others can listen. Haven’t you been taught that even bad publicity is GOOD publicity when it is free?
Make good on your offer, or you lose creditability.
17 Feb 2009 at 07:24 pm | #
No, I said there’s no proof and we should move on. I don’t think it’s relevant. There’s a link to the show above. What are you talking about?
17 Feb 2009 at 09:09 pm | #
Read your last sentence on post #31!!
You are asking them to show evidence or a link.
It all goes back to the fact that they shouldn’t get a free pass on poor journalistic behavior!
Yes- it seems like people have all been singing KumBaYah- but the bottom line is there are still some really out of line students who are in a learning institute and can really learn a wonderful lesson from this.
18 Feb 2009 at 11:04 am | #
Jason:
Excellent presentation.
I love your questioning.
However ... and it may have been beyond the scope of this subject ...
I would argue that if you truely wish to achieve all three of your sustainability topics ...
The bigger question is if you ...
plug in different players ...
for example; what if concil was made up of 9 elected “Jasons” ....
would the correct answers be found?
Is government the entity we should be looking to for correct answers?
Sure government has its role ...
But what role would that be?
and ...
Should the vast majority of what the government is currently involved in be deemed beyound the scope of local government?
18 Feb 2009 at 02:40 pm | #
Oh, it’s hard to know who I’m talking to when people change their anonymous names.