Town Hall Meeting Deserves Better

Dear 12 News,

I understand that viewers like to see conflict, but I am writing to let you know that your choices in portraying last night's Town Hall Meeting on the proposed change to the Phoenix Police immigration policy were irresponsible and did a disservice to the community. The immigration issue is a volatile one. The nativist haters are few, yet they are loud and shrill. When media outlets like yours ensure that they get all the news coverage, you are contributing to the problem and further dividing our community. With this sort of “news” coverage, combined with the daily barrage from the hate radio and TV echo chambers, is it any wonder that hateful rhetoric and actions are increasing?

What you chose not to show was the story of 900 people turning-out on a few-days' word-of-mouth notice to share their thoughtful and well-reasoned concerns about the inevitable negative consequences of changing Operations Order 1.4. What you did not tell was that we witnessed one of the most impressive gatherings of educated and accomplished community leaders coming together to calmly, yet passionately, ask the distinguished panel to reflect on the real issues of discrimination, respect and human dignity at stake in their pending recommendation. What you did not report on was an unprecedented solidarity from a remarkably diverse gathering of organizations, community leaders, and citizens. There were so many who wished to speak that we probably could have been there for several more hours. And when two representatives from those who support changing Operations Order 1.4 spoke, nearly every person in that large auditorium listened respectfully.

I am writing to ask that you reflect on your responsibility as a benefactor of the public airwaves and allow these stories to be told. I am asking that you meet with the leaders that helped organize Thursday’s Town Hall Meeting, so that we can discuss our concerns about the way these issues are covered. I believe that News 12 can be part of the solution, and I hope you will give this request serious consideration.

Sincerely,

Linda Brown

Linda Brown
Executive Director
Arizona Advocacy Network
602-297-2500 (office)
602-297-3600 (fax)
602-622-6641 (cell)
1616 E. Indian School Road, Suite 340
Phoenix, AZ  85016
www.azadvocacy.org

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