Send them this in your letter about why the CBS NEWs Division has failed its afilliates.It failed to follow its own rules in the CBS NEWS STANDARDS.
Page 37B headed "Standards and Procedures," which says, in part: "Anonymous sources should be used only when it is determined (1) that there is no other practicable way to obtain and report the information; (2) that the information is factual and of sufficient newsworthiness to warrant its use despite the fact that we cannot disclose its source; and (3) that the source and his information are highly reliable in the particular instance."
There is more, including this: "Where the use of an anonymous source is necessary, as much information as possible about the nature [underlined] of the source should be provided to the audience, assuming, of course, that this information would not lead to disclosure of the source. Where the source may have a vested interest in the matter to be reported, it is especially important that information be provided as to the nature and/or motivation of the source."
KPHO-CBS 5
Channel 5
Dear Stationmanager:
I am writing in regard to Dan Rather’s 60 MinutesII “memogate”.
I am reminding you of statements from the Standards and Procedures, Page 37B which say, in part:
Anonymous sources should be used only when it is determined:
(1) that there is no other practicable way to obtain and report the information;
(2) that the information is factual and of sufficient newsworthiness to warrant its use despite the fact that we cannot disclose its source; and
(3) that the source and his information are highly reliable in the particular instance."
Also,
"Where the use of an anonymous source is necessary, as much information as possible about the nature of the source should be provided to the audience, assuming, of course, that this information would not lead to disclosure of the source.
Where the source may have a vested interest in the matter to be reported, it is especially important that information be provided as to the nature and/or motivation of the source."
And I would add: Absolutely NO false statements or representations be made.
Some of the sources for “memogate” are not anonymous, but they are highly suspect (or dead).
There are NO credible sources, or countering sources.
Please review ALL of the strong evidence that shows that the memos are fake, the content is absurd, and that Rather has ulterior motives for presenting such programming.
I realize that you have no control over the content or presentation of 60 MinutesII, but this letter is to inform you that I will NOT watch Channel 5 and I will not – to the best of my ability – patronize your advertisers, as long as you show ANY programming associated with Dan Rather.
This hurts me, because I enjoy some of your programming (CBS News [while I hold my nose], Cold Case, Everybody loves Raymond, The King of Queens, Two and a Half Men, CSI, 48 Hours Investigates [I really enjoy this], David Letterman [occasionally], Local News, and other programs once-in-a-while).
Sincerely (literally)
(name, address, phone, e-mail)