WJBK, DETROIT, MI This Report Covers the Time Period September 1, 2003 – August 31, 2004 (Except Where Otherwise Specifically Noted)
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WJBK, DETROIT, MI This report covers the time period September 1, 2003 – August 31, 2004 (except where otherwise specifically noted). Local Newscasts and Key Stories WJBK airs 42.5 hours of local news each week, at the following times: Monday – Friday, 5 a.m. – 9 a.m. Monday – Friday, 12 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. Monday – Friday, 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Monday – Friday, 10 p.m. – 11 p.m. Saturday, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. Saturday – Sunday, 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. Saturday – Sunday, 10 p.m. – 11 p.m. Sunday, 6 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Community service is something that WJBK takes extremely seriously – it's at the core of the station's mission. The station's news team is known throughout the Detroit area as the "FOX2 Problem Solvers." WJBK focuses its efforts each day on using the power of television to solve viewer problems and make the Detroit community a better place. In addition, in every newscast, WJBK airs health and money stories that support its "news that works for you" philosophy. The station also has news franchises called "Parent 2 Parent" (offering parenting tips) and "Honor Roll" (highlighting young people who give back to the community). Provided below is a brief summary of important local stories that WJBK has covered recently within its local news broadcasts: * Problem Solvers. Kaytya – 3 years old – was born with a defect in which part of her brain is growing outside her head. A world-renown surgeon and Detroit native was willing to operate at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore – but Medicaid wouldn’t cover the surgery that would drastically improve Kaytya’s quality of life. Problem Solvers told Kaytya’s story – and received calls from hundreds of people and businesses willing to donate. WJBK stayed on the story for six months – and when it was over, Kaytya was able to have the surgery. * Affirmative Action. The mayor of Detroit, along with other state leaders, put the call out for Michigan voters to keep affirmative action alive. * "Nicotine Narcs." Station partnered with some activist teens to expose blatant illegal smoking by young people in restaurants with the permission of restaurant staff. * Highlighted the first park in the city of Detroit that is completely accessible for anyone with special needs. A sampling of WJBK's local interest news stories is attached hereto as Exhibit A. Breaking News Updates WJBK broke into and/or preempted regularly-scheduled programming numerous times during the period covered by this report in order to bring its viewers breaking news or disaster information. This coverage included extended reporting on severe weather, such as tornadoes and flooding, and alerts for missing persons. For example, WJBK aired the two separate 30-minute "Wicked Weather" specials in November of 2003 and in May of 2004 to prepare viewers for weather disasters. From snow to tornado safety, thunder- storms to flooding and lightning, WJBK went to work to tell its viewers how to protect themselves. In addition, WJBK regularly interrupts programming to cover breaking news at local schools or businesses, or if warranted by a national political story. Public Affairs Programming WJBK broadcasts the following public affairs programs: "Holiday Connection" One-hour program highlighting numerous non-profit organizations in metro-Detroit before the holiday season. This special showcased some of metro-Detroit's "needs" and informed viewers how they can get involved to help make a difference over the holidays. "Front and Center: Honor Roll" Half-hour public affairs show. This show aired in May of 2004 three times. Front and Center: Honor Roll focused on young people and the contributions they have made in the metro-Detroit area. "Foxbeat: Summer Attractions" This half-hour show in May of 2004 focused on community events in and around the metro-Detroit area. It gave helpful information about activities for families – and promoted concerts and events that are great community attractions. "Front and Center: "Without Sanctuary" This half-hour Front and Center in July of 2004 was about the new exhibit on lynching that came to Detroit's Museum of African American History. The show took an in-depth look at the shocking exhibit – and discussed the importance of bringing it to the area – one of the most segregated communities in the country. In addition, WJBK has aired a variety of other local programming of interest to the viewers in its community. For example, WJBK aired a special program relating to the United Auto Workers contract negotiations with Ford Motor Company. The station also airs a Mass for Shut-Ins each week for those viewers unable to attend religious services in person. WJBK produces a weekly sports program that focuses on Detroit teams, as well as a weekly program providing in-depth football coverage during NFL season. 2 Political Coverage WJBK has devoted extensive time to coverage of political issues important to its viewers. During the time period covered by this report, for instance, WJBK has aired continuing coverage of the Iraq war, coverage of visits to the station's community by Vice President Cheney and Sen. Kerry, and reports on developments in the Michigan legislature. For the two-week sample time period running September 13-27, 2004, for instance, the station aired more than 220 minutes of political coverage during its newscasts. Exhibit B attached hereto includes a list of WJBK's political specials as well as the political issues covered in the station's local newscasts. Public Service Announcements WJBK makes its air-time throughout the broadcast day available to public service announcements for a variety of causes, such as: * V-Chip * Project Safe Neighborhoods * The Detroit Zoo * Prevention Coalition of S.E. Michigan * Teen Drinking and Drugs * Kids Kicking Cancer * March of Dimes * Judson Center * Think Detroit * Supporting U.S. Troops For each of two sample weeks (January 12-19 and June 14-21, 2004), WJBK broadcast at least 30 minutes of public service announcements – all without charging any of the organizations or causes for the time. Participation in the Community Every month, WJBK sponsors a variety of community groups and nonprofit organizations. The station's on-air newscasters and behind-the-scenes employees have made a commitment to participate in the Detroit community. The station's employees take part in a variety of events in and around Detroit, such as: * United Way fundraising * American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Cancer Walk * Detroit Pistons Reading Month events * Reading for the Blind events A comprehensive list of the station's participation in the community is attached as Exhibit C hereto. As noted above, the FOX2 Problem Solvers are a key part of WJBK's identity. Each day, the station receives an average of 300 phone calls and emails from viewers seeking help. Even though not every request results in a news story, WJBK has partnered with area non-profit organizations to ensure that all callers receive assistance. In addition, WJBK meets regularly with community leaders to discuss the station's programming efforts. For 3 example, the station hosted a reception for representatives from the American-Arab Anti- Discrimination Committee. WJBK also employs a community service director who meets with nonprofit organizations and reviews an annual United Way survey of issues that are of interest to the community. 4 EXHIBIT A – Local News Stories Provided below is a sampling of WJBK news stories reported in the period of 9/01/03- 8/31/04 that dealt with issues of concern to the community: Local Issue Date Description Health/Safety 10/31/2003 "Two Minutes to Live"- Health Reporter Deena Centofanti re-enacts a choking scenario and shows viewers how to save a life. Health/Safety 11/7/2003 "Two Minutes to Live"- Health Reporter Deena Centofanti re-enacts a poisoning scenario - giving viewers life saving information. Health/Safety 11/10/2003 Investigative Reporter Kerry Birmingham connects a woman with her long-lost biological father. She needed his DNA for experimental therapy she hopes will save her kids from a deadly generic flaw she passed on to them. Health/Safety 11/12/2003 "Mystic Tan"- A special health investigation into the "mystic tan" tanning fad. Deena Centofanti reveals potential dangers of the popular new spray tanning, and goes undercover to show tanning salons overlooking FDA safety alerts. Health/Safety 11/14/2003 "Two Minutes to Live." Health reporter Deena Centofanti re-enacts a collapse scenario and demonstrates what viewers should do to save a life. Health/Safety 11/21/2003 "Two Minutes to Live." Deena Centofanti re-enacts a dog attack scenario and shows viewers the do's and don’ts to save a life. Health/Safety 5/3/2004 "Brain Surgery." Deena Centofanti leads a successful drive to raise $18,000 for surgery on a child to improve her quality of life. Health/Safety 5/26/2004 "Tornados."-Meteorologist Chris Edwards gives key information to protect our viewers as tornado season approaches. Health/Safety 7/22/2004 "Ephedra Replacements." Health reporter Deena Centofanti looks at a safety warning on some ingredients used to replace Ephedra in diet supplements. Investigative 11/4/2004 "City Worker." Investigative reporter Scott Lewis exposes a worker still pulling a city of Detroit paycheck despite repeated arrests and even a prison term. Story results in suspension and probable firing. Investigative 11/11/2003 "Hall of Shame- Bad Pavers."- Investigative reporter Rob Wolchek uncovers a group of traveling pavers who trick customers into paying for shady jobs. Investigative 2/12/2004 "Marine Rape." Reporter Pallas Hupe profiles a Detroit- area marine who says she was raped by another marine in Kuwait…And finds herself being court- marshaled for adultery.