Letter To Gary From ‘Concerned Epresident’

I have been an avid viewer of Channel 7 news since moving here in 1988. 98% of the time, I watch Good Morning El Paso as well as both evening editions. Many times I even manage to get in on the Noon Broadcast.

Obviously, I rely heavily and devoutly on Channel 7 for my news. I do have an issue, however. Your segment “ABC7 Listens” hosted by Gary Warner hasbecome soannoying, I’m strongly considering changing my news provider.

I know I speak for a number of viewers when I make this statement.

While Channel 7 does acknowledge its occasional mistakes or less than fully accurate information, Gary always ends this segment with a snied commentthat either makes light of the mistake or, often times, criticizes the person that takes interest and the time to provide futher information on any given topic.

For example, this morning’s issue was in regard to the Catholic Church’s opinion on the death penalty in reference to the recent execution of Saddam Hussein.

Gary quoted information obtained from the Vatican website, 2003 version of the Catechism of the Catholic Church which indeed addresses the church’s position on the subject. However, in usual fashion, he HAD to make a remark of whether or not (in his opinion) that the statement “rose to the point of ‘EXTOLS'”, as the viewer claimed.

Just a few seconds later when researching a viewer’s comment about Sun Bowl dates in reference to sold out attendance at the venue, in “Good ‘ol Gary fashion”, he spounted off about “I don’t know what {the viewer} will do withthis information, but I will be able to use since it took me… hours… and even pencils to do the research”,yet again, ina sarcastic joust directed toward the viewer.

If “ABC 7 Listens” continues to be Gary’s personalvantage pointto take aim at viewers who take the time to bring awareness toa particular issue, it is certainly my opinion that the segment becancelled.

The enhanced information becomes useless when he diverts away from it with his personal views and tacky remarks.Why can’t he just acknowledge misinformation or further illuminate a news piece without being critical and rude to the viewer who bothered to provide additional information?

Chill out Gary! Use the additional information that has been provided to you in a positive manner… not a public, unnecessary scrutiny toward the viewer.

It really only reveals what alesser person you obviouslymust be and offends many of us that take time to provide you with additional information about a news topic.

This behavior is highly reminiscent of immature grade-school name-calling behavior andclearly demonstratesthat “ABC 7 Listens” is nothing more than your personaloutlet of insulting, belittling and often chastizing your viewers.

Face it, you don’t know every fact about every subject. If you’re going to address your enlightened view or respond to we the viewers, please have the professionalism to do so without the addition of your “personal commentary”.

You choose to live in the public arena which requires a certain decorum and sense of responsibility… so take your criticism and enlightenment withoutthe addition of”taking a slap” at your viewers.

This conduct only belittles you in the end and clearly reveals your bitter, sarcastic manners.Nor does it speak well of Channel7for allowing you to continue this childish, hateful,sarcastic and highly unprofessionalbehavior.

I’ve never seen Charlie Gibson, Matt Lauer, Tom Brokawor Barbara Walters behave so unprofessionally. Perhaps that is why you can’t progress to a more responsible and prestigiousposition in your organization.

So, here’s my “personal dig” for the day!!! I must say, it brings me little pleasure or sense of accomplishment. I have no doubt you are all to familiar with such feelings.

Thanks for “listening”

Concerned_EP_Citizen

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