Don't ever believe everything you see on the news....

I gave up a long time ago trying to defend the news media to my husband. Having a degree in Broadcast Journalism, it's always been natural to "attempt" to try to understand things from the perspective of the news media. Although in recent years, it's very difficult to do.

Last week, WLBT showed up at Sun-Pine's Canton plant as a result of employees contacting them complaining of the "working conditions". When Mark and Michael returned from eating lunch, this reporter (who transferred here from California in Feb) was on the property interviewing "previously selected" employees. It was obvious that they were told the schedule so that they could interview them during their break. They asked to speak to management and Michael agreed to be interviewed in response to the complaints. They were given specific instructions denying them permission to film inside the plant or to show product labels due to the copyright of several of our customers private labels. She agreed that she would not include this in her story....she lied.

Michael responded to all of her questions and explained why the plant can not be air conditioned. He also explained that Mississippi is a "right to work state" and that there are educational opportunities (GED, college grants, trade schools) for citizens so that they may have many options of what types of work they are able to do. He also acknowledged that it is hot in the plant, but they make every attempt to make it as cool as possible. He also said that the Canton plant has been in operation for 10 years and no one has ever complained. (Sun-Pine has been in business since 1965 with the Brandon plant being the home base) As far as the fumes go, they are provided masks. Whatever manufacturing business you visit, you'll be sure to smell what they are producing.

Well, it aired on the 6pm report Friday. I stood there and couldn't believe what I was seeing. This reporter cut, spliced and did whatever she could to make the story sound "newsworthy". She showed only two employees and both with negative comments. She failed to include the employees who said good things. She also cut out what Michael said about how learning a trade or other education opportunities allow more employment options. Hey, that's not saying anything bad! It's just a fact! I tell my son all the time about the importance of an education. Without an education....options are narrowed. Education......options are wide open. The reporter also concluded the story by saying that offices are "nice and cool". That put me over the edge! Hello..... computers don't operate very well when it's hot. Those computers schedule loads, order raw materials and print their checks on Friday! She also did not include the statement where Michael told her that we are a Christian company and operates in a Christian manner. Why didn't she include that?

I did notice this morning that the title of the story was changed on wlbt.com. Hummmm...... guess girlfriend's facts didn't add up to support the previous title suggesting that working conditions were making people sick! Bert Case is our neighbor and he's a great guy. He had nothing to do with this story, but he did ask the report that she makes it fair. She did not.

I've always said that Mr. C, Mark and Michael are too good for their own good. They've always gone the extra mile for their employees. Some of Mark's best friends work for Sun-Pine. Guess what.... they work out in the plant where it's cold in the winter and hot in the summer. One of the men interviewed rode his bike to the plant for weeks asking for a job. He walks with a limp and is an older man. No one would hire him anywhere else. Mark finally found something for him to do--the easiest thing in the plant. That's just my Mark. If they have to work on Saturday, Mark will order pizza for them. I can't tell you how many times Mark has loaned his own money to them before payday because they needed to buy food for their kids. I've asked him before how he knew that's what they really wanted the money for and he's said "I can only do it for the right reason and what they do with it is out of my control".

The other guy interviewed was fired not too long ago. From what I hear, he was a troublemaker. Apparently, he came asking for his job back and someone hired him again. Given a second chance, now look what he's instigated.

My mom and dad have owned a restaurant since I was in 5th grade (that's a long time since I'm 42) and they do all of the cooking. They serve mostly fried foods (Charlie's Catfish House), so they stand over hot fryers all day long--they'll tell you it's a hot job. Do roofers complain to God that it's too hot? I'm sure highway workers, yard services, construction workers, etc are hot as well.

We've had so many people call with their support and it's appreciated more than you know. Several have sent emails to the television station in support. For those who have asked who to contact, you may email dennis@wlbt.net AND monica@wlbt.net.

Ok, I've used my blog to vent. I guess I'll get up and do something constructive.