TV And Politics:  Make Your Voice Heard

Twelve percent?  Seriously?  That’s the number of registered voters expected to vote in Tuesday’s election.  I hope the other eight-eight percent of you will consider this a challenge to get out and take a moment to make a difference in your community.  Don’t like the way things are handled where you live?  There’s one sure-fire way to make a change.  Or if you like the way things are going, your vote might just keep that candidate in office.

It’s simple.  This is a democracy and the only way it’ll survive is if we take advantage of the liberties afforded us - such as the right to vote!  Think of it this way, according to the above stat: we are only twelve percent away from a monarchy.  No thanks!  (Shameless Plug Alert: Thursday, Paige Tucker tackles the burning question one year into President Barack Obama’s term.  Are things getting better or worse?)

Now, once you get out the vote, get out the laptop.  I want to do something a little out of the ordinary.  It’s no secret that TV stations use research to determine what folks want to see.  Research is usually done by telephone and respondents (that’s “you”) answer questions about what would be most interesting to watch.  Our job is to dig into that research and look for ways to incorporate your interests into our day-to-day coverage.  This isn’t just a local thing either.  Shows like “So You Think You Can Dance” and “America’s Got Talent” came about after “Dancing With The Stars” and “American Idol.“  Give the people what they want.

So I want to know what you’re looking for in a newscast.  Keep it simple.  Tell me WHY you watch WJBF News Channel 6 and WHAT you’d like to see going forward.  Is it our people?  Is it our story selection?  What stories are you sick of?  Which ones do you look forward to the most?  Do you have an interest in education stories?  If we never ran another mug shot again, would you miss it?  What about city stories (TEE Center)?

You can keep it anonymous - but rest assured, I have no intention of publicly outing your suggestions.  And do me a favor, if you have a friend who is not a fan of Channel 6, pass this along to him/her.  Here’s your chance.  Don’t hold back.  No leading questions that get me the answer(s) I want to hear.  Your comments will make a difference - so let’s try for more than twelve percent, okay?

Email me directly at or call 706-828-7300