HOW BAD CAN TV GET?

No matter how many careless, erroneous, distorted, or self-serving broadcasts appear on television, stations manage to keep their licenses. The FCC seems to tolerate rampant misuse of our public airwaves.

Read specific documentation of the problems with local TV. (See also complaints about network news and sports and TV entertainment.)

WESH-TV 3 in Daytona Beach, FL

On 28 October 1999, about 9:50 p.m., there was announcement of a ". . . memorial service for Payne Stewart. We'll tell you what to expect." Is it beyond the ability of viewers to understand such a ceremony on their own?

WKMG-TV 6 in Orlando, FL

On the 11:00 news of 1 February 2000, a reporter discussing the Chick-Fil-A restaurant chain said "Get an earring or get a job; that's the choice you'll have to make at one company." Despite the threatening tone, the story made it clear that one is free to do without both.
On 19 December 1999, between 7:45 and 8:00 p.m., 15 minutes were cut from a 60 Minutes report concerning the high rate of injury in the chicken-processing industry, depriving viewers of information CBS News considered important enough to air on a popular show. This expurgation looks very convenient for Perdue and Tyson.

WDBJ-TV 7 in Roanoke, VA

The 11:00 news of 3 December 2007 included a report on the defeat of the defeat of Hugo Chávez's proposal that would allow him to become "president for life". Critics were quoted as warning that a ChávezChavez dictatorship would compromise basic rights. Of course, any dictatorship limits basic rights. However, the proposal would only have eliminated term limits for Chávez or anyone else, as was allowed of U.S. presidents such as Franklin D. Roosevelt. Assuming that a president having to stand periodically for election would become a dictator is a tenuous logical jump.
On the 11:00 news of 1 December 2007, Hollani Davis said a car "wrecked into" a truck.
On the 11:00 news of 1 November 2007, Natasha Ryan gave this advice about the recall of Chinese toys containing lead: "Take the toys away from your children and take them back to the store where you bought them." What happens when the store fills with children crying over the loss of their toys?
On the 5:00 news of 10 October 2007, Jean Jadhon said the Soyuz "blasted off from Kazakhistan".
At 12:10 a.m. on the night of 28 October 2005 (morning of 29 October), the guest list at the beginning of the Late Show was omitted. At 12:43 a.m., David Letterman's introduction of guest Jon Stewart was also omitted.
At about 12:16 a.m. on the night of 8 September 2005 (morning of 9 September), the beginning of a Late Show interview with Jamie Oliver was omitted to show an ad for Tim Kaine, a gubernatorial candidate.
On 10 July 2005, interviews of people with English accents standing outside the King's Cross station were accompanied by the graphic: Merauke, Indonesia.
On the 11:00 news of 15 April 2005, Shannon Young spoke of a former "Ziegfield Girl". Was there ever a trademark infringement controversy over confusion with Flo Ziegfeld's revues?
On the 11:00 news of 12 March 2005, Shannon Young said McDonald's restaurant chain would be taking orders by way of other state, explaining "McDonald's says . . . a professional will provide better service". What McDonald's says is not news. Saving money by moving jobs to a state with low wages is a part of the story that should have been covered.
At 8:59 p.m. on 16 February 2005, Robin Reed previewed "a blustery forecast". Viewers wanted to know about the weather, not Reed's speaking style.
On 13 January 2005, WDBJ-TV replaced the beginning of Craig Ferguson's monolog on The Late Late Show with commercial ads after a weather report.
On 12 January 2005, although Frasier: "Wheels of Fortune" [208] was advertised for 7:30 broadcast, it was pre-empted for the State of the Commonwealth address.
On the 11:00 news of 7 January 2005, Shannon Young mentioned a fan "waiting for the latest installment in the Star Wars trilogy". There were six films in the sequence, not three.
On 3 November 2004, Frasier: "Murder Most Maris [2]" [11.08] aired. Yet the first half, "Maris Returns" [11.7] had not been broadcast recently.
On 10-October 2004 (morning of 11 October) "Outer Limits" was scheduled for 2:00 a.m. but shown at 1:00 a.m., causing fans to tune in just as it ended.
On 26 September 2004 at 2:00 a.m. (morning of 27 September), "Outer Limits" was scheduled but not shown.
On 20-24 September 2004 at 4:00, Becker appeared in the schedule, but Family Feud aired.
On the 5:00 news of 20 September 2004, Jean Jadhon spoke of the "Smithsonian Institute". She must have meant the Smithsonian Institution.
Many public service announcements aimed at children air after midnight, when there are few children awake to see them (and likewise few advertisers interested in buying the time, making it cheap).
On the 6:00 news of 5 October 2007, a reporter introduced a clip of a speaker who was to tell young people "about her decision to drink and drive". Although the speaker spoke of the consequences of her decision (hospitalization and disability), she was not shown talking about how she made the decision.
On the 11:00 news of 3 October 2007, Natasha Ryan said that satellites were used for cell phones. If a cell phone could transmit to a satellite orbiting the earth, shadows like buildings and hills would not block the signal. Cell phones rely on antennas, each serving a geographic cell. There are satellite phones, but they have no cells.
On 2 October 2007 (morning of 3 October), an interview of Sarah Silverman on The Late Show was interrupted when advertising cut in.
On the 11:00 news of 30 September 2007, Hollani Davis said that a human cannonball had gone "nine times faster than the force of gravity". Doesn't gravity travel at the same speed as light?
On the 6:00 news of 21 August 2007, Jean Jadhon reported that "a Radford family escaped a fire by climbing out of a window." Perhaps they climbed out the window.
On the 5:00 news of 6 August 2007, Jean Jadhon said Rudolph Giuliani has had a poor relationship with his children "since he divorced their mother, Donna Hanover, in 2002". The family was already strained after Giuliani's affair with current wife Judith Nathan came to light.
On the 11:00 news of 9 November 2005, Shannon Young said that a Christmas tree headed for Rockefeller Center came from the town of Wayne, New Jersey. Wayne is a township, distinct under New Jersey law from incorporated towns.
On the 11:00 news of 6 November 2005, Myranda Stephens reported, "For the second time in two days, a plane has crashed at a Houston airport." She did not explain the failure to ground the plane after the first crash.
On the 11:30 news of 31 July 2005, Interstate 81 was called a "325-mile highway". It runs at least 652 miles between Douglas Lake and the Saint Lawrence River.
On the 11:00 news of 2 May 2005, Shannon Young claimed, "Jennifer Wilbanks could be facing charges in connection with her decision to run rather than marry." Wilbanks was free to run; her crime was committed later when she falsely claimed she had been kidnaped.
On 26 February 2005 at about 1:05 a.m., the beginning of the second half of a Late Late Show (25 February 2005) interview with Jami Gertz was truncated to show an ad.
WDBJ-TV replaced the beginning of Craig Ferguson's 13 January 2005 monolog on The Late Late Show with commercial ads.
In a 20 December 2004 promo at 7:59 p.m., Shannon Young asked, "Will an upscale shopping center move into Roanoke?" Where will it stay if it doesn't move?
On the 11:00 news of 12 November 2004, Shannon Young explained, "After providing information only the owner would know, the ring was returned." How did the ring provide information?
On the 11:00 news of 15 July 2004, Jean Jadhon reported on a crew of city workers and volunteers removing a street's blacktop to expose the "brick" underneath. As brick would crack under the weight of vehicles, the surface is probably stone.
Although scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on 10 July 2004, Raiders of the Lost Ark, started 30 minutes earlier, disappointing those who tuned in to see the movie.
In an announcement at 10:28 p.m., 4 May 2004, about the Blacksburg town election, Shannon Young said a certain individual "came in fourth, as did some write-in candidates". Unless there was a tie, only one candidate could be fourth.
On the 11:00 news of 30 April 2004, Jean Jadhon spoke of trucks blocking the "Golden State Freeway outside Los Angeles". The caption over the picture mentioned "Commerce CA". Yet the Golden State Freeway does not reach the City of Commerce.
With part of its proposed corridor ruled out, Interstate 73 "will have to go somewhere else" claimed Richard Lesko on the 6:00 news of 24 March 2004. It need not go anywhere at all.
On the 6:00 news of 10 March 2004, Shannon Young reported that Virginia wants to "dissolve civil unions from other states". Will Virginia become a Reno for gays?
On 11 Feb 2004, the opening monologue of Seinfeld's "The Visa" was replaced with the closing monologue about immigration.
On 25 November 2003, Shannon Young claimed that "because of new rules, many Virginians may be forced to use artificial Christmas trees". That requirement would seem to be a severe imposition on Jews, Muslims, and Buddhists.
On the 11:00 news of 26 October 2003, Jennifer Wishon said the pump at Crystal Spring had been "re-restored".
"Gov. Warner wants more Virginians in college," said Jean Jadhon, introducing the 11:00 news of 14 October 2003. One way to do that is to have graduates go back for additional courses. In reporting the story, Ms. Jadhon explained that Governor Warner wants more college graduates. Whether they would come from inside or outside the state was not specified.
"Lynchburg can take its name off the list of major cities without a skateboard park," said Jean Jadhon on the 11:00 news of 9 October 2003. How did a community of 50,000 population ever get on a list of major cities?
During successive weeks, WDBJ-TV provided the following schedule for The Outer Limits:
- The night of 14 September 2003 (morning of 15 September), the program scheduled for 2:00 a.m. aired almost an hour late, so anyone who attempted to record the show caught only the beginning.
- The night of 21 September 2003 (morning of 22 September), the program scheduled for 2:00 a.m. aired an hour early, so anyone sitting down to watch (or attempting to record it) caught the end or missed it completely.
- The night of 28 September 2003 (morning of 29 September), the conclusion of a two-part episode aired, with a preview of the beginning to air the following week.
- Although scheduled for 1:00 a.m. on 5 October 2003 (morning of 6 October), the beginning of the two-part episode aired at 2:00 a.m.
On the 11:00 news of 23 September 2003, Jean Jadhon said that Roanoke County agrees that a methadone clinic doesn't belong in a neighborhood. Why shouldn't it be in a commercial neighborhood?
On the 11:00 news of 15 September 2003, describing pigs in a yard, the announcer claimed that they either had outgrown their homes or were "pet-owners who lost interest" -- all of them being cared for by woman who wants to keep them from the slaughterhouse.
On the 11:00 news of 5 September 2003, Jean Jadhon's report on a teenager's landmark mathematical proof seemed to say that numbers sum differently depending on the order in which they are added. How can there be an exception to the communtative law?
Jean Jadhon reported on the 11:00 news of Monday 1 September 2003 that AAA was predicting the heaviest traffic on Labor Day weekend since 1995. As most vacationers had already arrived home, how could it be called a prediction?
On the 11:00 news of 31 August 2003, Theresa Hamilton reported the arrest of "convicted pedophile" Tony Leyva. Although Leyva had been on parole for pederasty (sex with children), his attraction to them was not a crime.
"Imagine a horse running against its clone in the Kentucky Derby. It's not such a farfetched idea," said Shannon Young on the 11:00 news of 6 August 2003. As three-year-old horses run in the Kentucky Derby, the cloning would have to be done early in life, before the horse's mature speed is known. How likely is that?
"How old is too old to drive, that's the question" before government, said Shannon Young, introducing the 6:00 news of 18 July 2003. On the contrary, the problem seems to involve decline of faculties, which does not necessarily occur at any specific age.
On the 11:00 news of 29 June 2003, Myranda Stephens said of the late Katharine Hepburn, "No one envied her wit, style, and grace." Was she giving a dubious opinion or quoting Elizabeth Taylor?
On the 11:00 news of 15 June 2003, a woman's interaction with "passerbies" was mentioned. Doesn't she ever meet passersby?
On the 11:00 news of 3 June 2003, Jean Jadhon said that Arab leaders had called on Israel to "dismantle occupied territories". How's that?
Opening the 6:00 news of 22 April 2003, Keith Humphry said, "A man who headed law enforcement in Franklin County is shot and killed." Former Public Safety director Claude Webster was in charge of fire protection and rescue service. He was never sherriff.
On the 11:00 news of 16 January 2003, Jean Jadhon mentioned that the winner of a special election in Amherst County would have to run again in November. What punishment awaits the winner of a special election who retires without running again?
On the 11:00 news of 16 January 2003, Robin Reed spoke of the consequences if the weather "enhances". The verb "to enhance" is transitive.
On the 11:00 news of 5 December 2002, Jean Jadhon said "United (Airlines) stockholders should worry." Don't calmly sell the stock; it's better to fret.
On the 11:00 news of 26 November 2002, Shannon Young alleged, "Virginia is the only state that limits governors to one term." Not true. Governor Mills Godwin served two terms. There is no limit, as long as the terms are not consecutive.
On the 11:00 news of 20 September 2002, Jean Jadhon used the pronoun "she" to refer to Hurricane Isidore. Isidore is a man's name.
On the 11:00 news of 10 June 2002, Theresa Hamilton said, "Everyone has the right to live in a neighborhood free of crime and drug-dealing." People who practice and contribute to crime cannot claim such a right.
On the 11:00 news of 8 April 2002, Jean Jadhon reported that the Arthur Andersen accounting firm had fired 7,000 employees. Does that represent 10% or 90% of their workforce?
On 26 February 2002, anchor Shannon Young spoke of "a robbery gone violently wrong". When is a robbery right?
The 11:00 news of 26 December 2001 included a lengthy promotion for the next day's Survivor program.
On the 11:00 news of 16 July 2001, Jean Jadhon claimed that Virginians are drinking more hard liquor. She went on to say that Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) package stores had sold $381 million of liquor over the past fiscal year, $27 million more than in the previous year. Presumably, a large part of this 7.6% increase was caused by inflation. An increase in population might account for part of it. Price differentials could have altered the amount of liquor being brought across state lines, especially along the Potomac River. So how do we know that Virginians are actually drinking more gallons of liquor?
On 5 June 2001, Theresa Hamilton wondered whether layoffs would cause people to move to find work. Why wouldn't they find work first, then move?
On 30 May 2001, Shannon Young claimed that "the 804 area code's days are numbered". How do we call Richmond from now on?
On 18 February 2001, a 60 Minutes story concerning an alleged conviction of an innocent officer in a horrible police brutality case was interrupted for the second notice that a race car driver had died in a crash.
On the 11:00 news of 15 February 2001, Jean Jadhon quoted former Texas Governor Bush as saying that we should move on from investigating whether Marc Rich bribed President Bill Clinton to pardon him. This was then contradicted by a White House spokesperson who said that whether to pursue an investigation was the Justice Department's decision.
In February 2001, it was reported that Bill Clinton would be opening an office on 155th Street in Harlem. The office will be on 125th Street.
On the 11:00 news of 30 January 2001, it was said that the NAACP would boycott Georgia unless the state adopted a new flag. There must have been quite strong feelings involved to threaten a boycott if the state decided to have no flag.
On the 11:00 news of 20 January 2001, Theresa Hamilton said that former Texas Gov. Bush completed "his first full day in office". He was sworn in at noon that day.
On 21 November 2000, Jean Jadhon said that "even Buffalo had trouble" with bad weather. Buffalo is notorious for deluges of lake-effect snow.
On 21 November 2000, it was claimed that a new law allowing lowering the age for a driving permit was being reconsidered in light of the number of crashes involving 15-year-olds, who "lack experience". If lack of driving experience is the only factor, teaching people to drive at any age would be equally hazardous, as they would all be lacking in experience. Clearly, some other factor, such as immaturity, makes the difference.
On 21 November 2000, Jean Jadhon claimed that "16 million people suffer with diabetes but a third don't know they have it". Is their level of suffering insufficient to motivate them to seek a diagnosis?
On the 1 November 2000 11:00 news, a report on female athletes' high rate of knee injuries failed to mention the normal alignment of the leg as a contributing factor. Because of their wider hips, women tend to be knock-kneed, to have a sideways bend at the knee even when fully extended. Therefore, when a woman lands on her knee, it will tend to bend to the side. Male knees tend to bend closer to the plane on which they are hinged.
On the 1 November 2000 5:00 news, Jean Jadhon mentioned a plane crash "in Singapore". The crash involved a Singapore Airlines plane taking off from Taiwan.
On 5 October 2000, the 11:00 news told of a Henry County child receiving a suspended sentence for shooting a friend. The victim's status was not mentioned.
On 30 August 2000, it was reported that a fire in Edgewater, New Jersey produced flames that could be seen in New York City. How could it be otherwise? Individual buildings can be seen across the mile-wide Hudson River.
On 18 August 2000, the 11:00 news called Clinton's 1996 victory a "landslide". Clinton received a minority of the popular vote.
Reporting 16 September 1999 on the disappearance of a rhinoceros sculpture from a lawn, Jean Jadhon said police "believe they know who the alleged thief is". There could only be an alleged thief if some accuser made an allegation that some other person was the thief. If that was true, it is implausible that the police would not know the person named in the allegation unless it had been made privately and concealed from their knowledge. However, these unusual and improbable circumstances were not explored in the report, indicating that the police probably know who stole the sculpture. In that case, sloppy writing is the culprit.
On the morning of 3 October 1998, WDBJ-TV announced that Frasier could be seen "five times a week". Although the station airs five reruns per week, another station broadcasts one new episode. So the total is six.
On 2 October 1998, WDBJ-TV mentioned that new 20-dollar bills can be identified by "how they look when exposed to light". When they are not exposed to light, they can't be seen at all.
On 13 January 1997, WDBJ-TV news spoke about "Governor Allen's last year in office". This could not be known yet. Like Mills Godwin before him, Allen is free to seek any number of additional non-consecutive terms. Again, on 2 February 1997, an announcer on WDBJ-TV indicated that 1997 would be "George Allen's last year as governor".
On 13 January 1997, WDBJ-TV showed the movies California Suite and Crocodile Dundee. Station breaks through both movies announced that Punchline, with Sally Field and Tom Hanks, would return shortly.

WFTV-TV 9 in Orlando, FL

One night, the 11:00 news reported fires "south of Edgewater to Oak Ridge". There's a city of Oak Hill about eight miles south of Edgewater, but where is Oak Ridge?
On the 11:00 news of 11 April 2000, a reporter claimed that residents want a "1,000 square feet" buffer between their homes and student housing, rather than "400 square feet" that the University of Central Florida wants to provide. The 1,000 square feet is the equivalent of a square less than 32 feet on each side. The 400 square feet is the equivalent of a square 20 feet on each side. Either would be less space than a back yard of one typical detached home.

WSLS-TV 10 in Roanoke, VA

Many public service announcements aimed at children air after midnight, when there are few children awake to see them (and likewise few advertisers interested in buying the time, making it cheap).
At about 2:10 a.m. on 7 September 2007 (morning of 8 September), Ben Kweller's performance on Last Call was cut short by the start of a broadcast for Access Hollywood, a show not scheduled to air until hours later. A few minutes later, normal programming resumed.
Early in the 11:00 news of 28 February 2006, Karen McNew said Mardi Gras in New Orleans "comes to a halt at midnight, just about an hour from now." There are not one but two hours between 11:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time in Roanoke and midnight Central Standard Time in New Orleans.
On 23 January 2006, Juliet Bickford noted, "Congressman Bob Goodlatte comes to Roanoke." Goodlatte lives in Roanoke.
On the 11:00 news of 4 January 2006, Karen McNew advised viewers, "Set your VCRs and DVDs; the opening ceremonies of the Olympics are February 12." A standard VCR cannot be set more than a month in advance.
On the 11:00 news of 2 Dec 2005, John Carlin spoke of "Gus Nicks Boulevard in Northwest Roanoke" instead of the road's actual location, Northeast Roanoke.
On the 11:00 news of 2 Dec 2005, Jeremy Crider remarked that the "Dickens of a Christmas" tree in the Roanaoke Market Square looked like a Norman Rockwell painting. With people dressed in 19th-century period costumes, it looke more like a Currier & Ives print.
In the "Focus on the Family" report of 28 November 2005, James Dobson claimed that divorced people suffer more terminal cancer from stress. He failed to specify whether the stress is caused by divorce or by bad marriages.
On the 5:00 news of 27 Sep 2005, it was reported that, "In the French Quarter, and in other Louisiana cities, like Algiers, business owners are cleaning up." Algiers and the French Quarter are both located in the same city, New Orleans.
In Focus on the Family on the 12:00 news of 20 May 2005, James Dobson said that "Laws should encourage family stability." Was a broadcast license being used to lobby for legislation?
On the 11:00 news of 18 May 2005, John Carlin described a videotape as showing male prarie chickens "after the same chick". Were the adult birds pedophiles?
On the 5:00 news of 17 May 2005, a report about an unidentified man in British mental hospital who would not speak but played piano was accompanied by scenes and music from the movie, "Shine". Why not use audio of the man's performance, in case a viewer might recognize his technique or style?
On the 5:00 news of 16 May 2005, reporting that several banks were raising the minimum payment from two percent to four percent, Karen McNew said, "You'll be able to pay those loans off faster." Debtors were already allowed to pay the balance as fast as they wanted. The banks were grabbing greater leverage to force people into involuntary bankruptcy.
On the 5:00 news of 13 May 2005, John Carlin reported, "A 70-year-old woman is out of the hospital today. She fell nine stories." The fall was from an apartment balcony, not the route of exit from the hospital.
On 4 May 2005, John Carlin reported on a dog spa that includes a shower, the third story in recent months about machines that wash dogs. When does news become olds?
On the 11:00 news of 21 April 2005, Justin Ditmore asked, "Will there be a mass exodus from North Carolina?" Such an event may have been anticipated by the Tarheel State's license plate, inscribed, "First in flight".
On the 12:00 news of 16 March 2005, a graphic included the words, "Waiting on the judge". Nothing in the story indicated that the judge was served food.
On the 12:00 news of 16 March 2005, Juliet Bickford said of Jesse Jackson and Michael Jackson, "Neither Jackson shares the same faith." More likely, one does, while the other doesn't.
On the news of 8 March 2005, John Carlin said, "There's a way to use miles per gallon to figure out your commuting costs." Who could imagine?
Describing the aftermath of a tornado on the 5:00 news of 3 March 2005, John Carlin said the "only howling" was from a basset hound. The dog was barking.
On the 6:00 news of 24 February 2005, a reporter showing how to shred a manila envelope inserted the envelope into the shredder lengthwise, along the lines of print, in a way that names or numbers might still be read on the strips of discarded paper.
It was reported on the 5:00 news of 18 February 2005 that a "soldier was killed in an explosion in Iraq, leaving behind his wife and three children". Why was his family with him at the time?
"An Ohio teen broke into a house. You'll never guess where he was found and what he was doing," said John Carlin on the 5:00 news of 18 February 2005. Armed with that clue, this viewer correctly guessed, among other possibilities, that he was playing the piano.
On 10 February 2005, at 10:01 p.m., a station emblem blocked the names of cast members on ER.
On 31 January 2005, Karen McNew discussed a woman who had undergone gastric bypass surgery. "I asked her if she would do it again." It wouldn't make sense to do it again unless she wanted to starve.
Between 2:05-2:07 a.m. on the morning of 28 January 2005, the beginning of the Tonight Show, including John Melendez's announcement of guests, was omitted to show ads.
A 25 January 2005 promo for the news recalled a story about dog who had been kicked to death in Roanoke, saying, "The story that broke your heart may have a happy ending." What could possibly make that dead dog happy?
During the rerun at 2:05 a.m. on 25 January 2005 of the Tonight Showtribute to Johnny Carson that had originally aired hours before on the evening of 24 January 2005, WSLS-TV ran ads instead of the introduction of comedians Bob Newhart and Don Rickles.
On 21 January 2005, Karen McNew reported that "A man is half a million dollars richer" after winning a suit because a physician operated on the wrong knee. Doesn't the injured man have to absorb the cost of future medical bills related to the knee and any lost income?
The 6:00 news of 9 January 2005 mentioned Ali G.'s appearance at a Salem rodeo. "Instead of singing, he began bashing everything from the war in Iraq to the Bush administration." Everything from A to B?
On the 6:00 news of 9 January 2005, Denise Eck noted, "That's right. The name on an appliance may not be the same name of the company that actually made that appliance." In other words, appliances you buy in Sears are not made by the Kenmore corporation.
On the 6:00 news of 23 December 2004, Karen McNew reported that people who are thankful live longer. If a causal relationship is drawn, it would make sense to conclude that people are thankful because they have good health, which permits them to live longer.
On 29 October 2004, a man was shown wearing a pumpkinhead voting machine costume including a table around his torso. He lifted lifted his tablecloth so it no longer covered him from the waist down. He was wearing blue shorts and black leggings. "Clearly a Red Sox fan" said John Carlin. We could not tell because the man's socks were not visible.
On 16 October 2004 (morning of 17 October), both the beginning and end of the 3:00-4:30 a.m. broadcast of Saturday Night Live were cut off.
On 21 September 2004, Karen McNew reported that participants in a health study "reduced their chance of death by 65%". Does that mean that 65% of the participants will never die?
On 17 September 2004, viewers in the path of tornadoes were advised to get in a ditch and "cover your hands with your head".
On 10 September 2004, it was claimed that "Girls are less likely to use drugs or have sex than boys." Who do the boys have sex with?
In a 10 September 2004 report on the training of helicopter crews for firefighting, it was explained that the net has to be secure so nothing can fall out and hit the blades. The blades are on the top of the craft; how can anything fall on them?
On 7 September 2004 at 2:15-2:20 a.m., during a Tonight Show interview of George W. Bush, a weather banner at the top of the screen obscured Bush's forehead and sometimes his eyes. It could have been placed at the bottom of the screen.
On 3 September 2004 at about 3:02 a.m., a broadcast of the Tonight Show was cut short to accommodate an announcement for the Roanoke Valley YMCA Living It Up.
"Police are considering whether the dogs should be put to sleep," said Karen McNew on the 5:00 news of 7 August 2004. Do the dogs face death, or merely tranquilizers?
On the 11:00 news of 13 July 2004, Kerry McQuone reported from the SunTrust bank "right in the middle of downtown Rocky Mount". The statue visible within the frame stands in front of the Franklin County courthouse on Main Street, at one of the highest points in the town, which is Uptown or Centertown. Downtown is another business district down the hill.
On the 11:00 news of 13 July 2004, John Carlin described the fate of "a 600-pound suspect named Bobo". Bobo the escaped tiger, who might have been called a fugitive, was not accused of any crime.
On the 5:00 News of 13 July 2004, Karen McNew claimed that "False positives may contribute to an increase" in Lyme disease. Why would today's tests be less accurate than those used a few years ago?
On the 5:00 news of 20 May 2004, reporting on customers who switched cell phone service, Karen McNew said that the FCC received over 3000 complaints about AT&T, compared with 500 about Nextel. Viewers were not told whether the customer bases are comparable, or the numbers are meaningless.
A broadcast of Saturday Night Live at 3:00 a.m. on 16 May 2004 began with a laugh that apparently followed a truncated punch line uttered by Jan Hooks as Hillary Rodham.
In a special report at 6:45 p.m. on 7 May 2004 about a plane crash, Denise Eck gave the location as the "town of Callaway in Franklin County". Callaway has never incorporated as a town.
Announcing changes in cable TV prices, Anchorman John Carlin pretended that they are justified by a proportional increase in the number of cable TV channels. It is not as if the viewer's enjoyment can increase to that extent. There is still a limit to the number of hours a week that one can watch. Does a restaurant increase its prices by 100% when it doubles the length of its menu?
On the 5:00 news of 26 April 2004, Karen McNew said "Christians pray more often than Roman Catholics . . . or other non-Christian faiths" for better health.
On 8 March 2004, Karen McNew claimed, "The majority of Iraqis are pleased with the constitution" that was recently written. How does she know? Was their opinion polled?
On the 5:00 news of 1 March 2004, Karen McNew said a man indicted by a grand jury would have to "prove his innocence". To be acquitted, it is sufficient that the prosecution fail to prove his guilt.
On the 6:00 news of 9 February 2004, it was claimed, "Because the earth is round, radar eventually heads upward." It is not enough for the earth to be round. It is also convex. Radar would eventually drop to the surface of a concave earth.
On the 5:00 news of 9 February 2004, Jay Warren reported, "Members of the Axton Lifesaving Squad have been given a choice: choose the Axton Squad only, or volunteer somewhere else." Retirement must be prohibited.
On the 6:00 news of 26 December 2003, Heidi Coy mentioned warnings in "Rappahannock and Tappahannock Counties". Although there is a town called Tappahannock, there is no county by that name.
On the 5:00 news of 30 January 2003, John Carlin said that gangs can be found outside New York and Los Angeles. Doesn't Carlin know that some of the most notorious gangs have been based in Chicago, Boston, New Orleans, Tampa, Miami, and San Francisco?
On the 5:00 news of 31 December 2003, a picture of a missing child was shown with a phone number obscuring her mouth and chin.
"Roanoke will have a new mayor" in a few months, announced the 5:00 news of 26 November 2003, reporting Ralph Smith's decision not to seek re-election. That conclusion was premature. David Bowers, the mayor Smith unseated in 2000, announced his candidacy the next day. So Roanoke may have an old mayor before it has a new one.
According to Karen McNew's report on the 11:00 news of 18 November 2003, courts have ruled that Massachusetts cannot outlaw gay marriage and have given the state legislature six months to make it work. That sounds like a tall order. Many heterosexuals cannot make marriage work after six months.
In her description of an experimental fire in a fake building on the 5:00 news of 24 October 2003, Karen McNew said, "The windows melt as the seals crack and pop." That sounds unusual. One would expect the seals to crack and pop as the windows heat.
In a teaser just before the 5:00 news of 23 October 2003, Karen McNew called Kirk Jones "the only known person to go over Niagara Falls and survive". On the broadcast, John Carlin called him "the only one to ever survive". Eleven others are known to have taken the plunge and lived.
Considering the question of whether Virginia could have a 135-candidate recall election like California's, Jay Warren answered "no". He must believe that Virginia can never amend its constitution in that way.
On the 5:00 news of 8 September 2003, Dan Reany warned that "a school bus can roll out of sight" quickly on a tree-lined road. Who cares how fast a bus disappears? The danger is a vehicle that appears out of nowhere.
Scenes from Britain's Birdman Competition were shown on the 11:00 news of 1 September 2003. It was mentioned that a substantial cash prize awaits anyone who stays aloft for 100 meters. That is not clear. If several contestants travel the required distance, does only one receive the prize, is it split, or do they each get the full amount?
Melissa Martin called Tony Leyva a "convicted pedophile" on the 5:00 news of 1 September 2003. Although Leyva had been on parole for pederasty (sex with children), his attraction to them was not a crime.
On the 5:00 news of 25 August 2003, Marc Lamarre mentioned a hurricane "in Baja California and in Mexico".
After New Yorkers were shown wearing "I survived Black Thursday" tee shirts on the 11:00 news of 22 August 2003, a correspondent commented about a dog's shirt, "Maybe they should make them with four holes." How's that? One for the head, one for the forelegs, leaving one for what?
In his report on the 11:00 news of 20 August 2003 describing a death from a shark attack in California, John Carlin neglected to specify which portion of the 840-mile coast to avoid. (Print reports said the attack took place in Avila Beach, about 200 miles north of Los Angeles.)
On the 11:00 news of 20 August 2003, John Carlin spoke of a "moose" in Norway. Moose are found in the wild in North America. Their Old World counterparts are elk.
On the 5:00 news of 14 August 2003, a reporter in a helicopter claimed people on West Street were trying to get off Manhattan, probably via the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel. There were few cars in the free-flowing southbound lanes headed for the tunnel. Far more traffic sat motionless in the northbound lanes, going away from the tunnel.
"Roanoke College has become a member of Phi Beta Kappa," said Karen McNew on the 5:00 news of 12 August 2003. Although the college was granted a charter by the honor society, only students and alumni are members.
On the 6:00 news of 27 July 2003, Dawn Jeffries said, "A battle is brewing in the Senate over whether you should be able to buy prescription drugs outside the U.S." It is already legal to buy drugs abroad, as many Americans do. The main obstacle is shipping them across the border.
On 17 July 2003, Karen McNew discussed a study of different rates of aggressive behavior between children in and out of day care. She failed to mention whether the children in day care displayed more or less aggressive behavior.
At 1:00 a.m. on 13 July 2003, the following disclaimer appeared: "The following is a paid commercial program. . . ." This was followed by this notice: "The following program is a paid advertisement from the United States Navy." Isn't that a governmental rather than commercial entity?
On the 5:00 news of 3 July 2003, Karen McNew spoke of people "lassoing the cow and ending his jaunt" along a street in China. Maybe the event was precipitated by the cow's gender confusion and difficulty distingushing a street from a shop.
On the 5:00 news of 30 June 2003, John Carlin said, "Too many snacks and sweets aren't good for your child's health." Although cookies and candy may not be advisable, it comes as a surprise that snacks of fruit and vegetables should be withheld.
Before the 6:00 news of 20 June 2003, John Carlin promised to tell how opening e-mail could ruin one's credit rating. In case anyone anyone feels safe thinking that no money could actually be lost, the scam mentioned in the report tries to get credit card information from unsuspecting consumers. Fortunately, the danger came not in opening, but in responding.
On the 5:00 news of 16 June 2003, Dawn Jeffries asked, "How long does it take to pack about 40,000 pounds of sweet potatoes? Volunteers bagged 30,940 pounds of sweet potatoes" for hunger relief. That sounds a lot closer to 30,000 or 31,000.
On the 5:00 news of 16 June 2003, a report on distribution of the Harry Potter book mentioned that although the book weighs two pounds, British mail trucks can only carry 35 pounds. Perhaps they need a sturdier fleet of Tonkas.
On the 12:00 news of 2 June 2003, Juliet Bickford spoke of a woman who had "bludgered" someone in her home. In Australia, a bludger is a bully or pimp.
A graphic on the 5:00 news of 7 February 2003 promised: "5:14 -- Transfer of Power". Did this announcement herald the formation of a foreign government? No, it was only the appointment of an elementary school principal -- who was already on the job in a temporary capacity. So the story boiled down to the permanent installation of one new administrator supervising the same employees according to the same policies and reporting to the same superintendent and board.
On the 11:00 news of 25 January 2003, bathers shown in Annapolis, Maryland were said to be plunging into the cold water of the Delaware River. The Delaware does not enter Maryland.
On the 5:00 news of 21 January 2003, Karen McNew promised to tell viewers how they could give their allergy medicine to their children. The story turned out to be about children's Zantac, a prescription drug which adults would not normally take.
On the 11:00 news of 17 January 2003, Heidi Coy mentioned a highway widening that would create "10 truck-climbing lanes". The graphic behind her mentioned "10' truck-climbing lanes".
On the 5:00 news of 7 January 2003, viewers were promised to be told of a local county's policy that would impose a cost for parking in a yard rather than in a driveway. The story described a Pittsylvania County's decision to prohibit leaving unregistered cars in view of the road (not concealed by a fence) for more than 60 days. The role of driveways was not explained.
At 8:52 p.m. and 9:47 p.m. on 20 December 2002, a teaser for the 11:00 news said, "Just when you think you've heard the end of it -- more budget cuts." Gov. Warner made it clear that the cuts in November were insufficient to balance the budget, and that more would be needed. Any Virginian whose memory is more than a month long has been waiting for more cuts.
A teaser for the 11:00 news of 17 December 2002 announced, "Everyone eats ice cream." A majority of the world's adults are lactose-intolerant and unable to digest milk or cream.
On the 5:00 news of 27 November 2002, after a nine-year-old girl was hit by a car while retrieving a newspaper, John Carlin indicated that the location of a roadside newspaper box is dictated by the postmaster. The mailbox location may be controlled by the post office, but why a newspaper box on a separate pole?
On the 5:00 news of 26 November 2002, Karen McNew claimed, "Every parent wants a healthy baby." Not so. Some prefer to adopt older children.
On the 5:00 news of 8 November 2002, John Carlin described a United Nations resolution on Iraq as saying "Hand over your weapons or face war." In other words, if Iraq destroys its weapons instead of handing them over, there will be a war.
On the 11:00 news of 6 November 2002, John Carlin announced that collected political signs could be redeemed at a Winston-Salem restaurant "if you live in North Carolina". Apparently, Tarheels could bring in signs from other states, but nothing brought in by Virginians (the majority of the audience) would qualify. It was impossible to test Carlin's words, because the offer closed less than an hour later, at midnight.
The 11:00 news of 4 November 2002 included a disgusting clip promoting the show Fear Factor. What does this have to do with news?
On the 5:00 news of 19 September 2002, a reporter asked shoppers at the grand opening of the Wal-Mart store in Bonsack whether he thought the neighbors who had opposed the project had changed their opinion. Not surprisingly, the shopper thought they were shopping there. If the purpose was to find out the opinion of the local people, why not go around the block and find a few? It looked as if the purpose was to kiss up to Wal-Mart to get commercial advertising revenue. The store is an eyesore that mars the view from the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway overlook. It ought to be razed.
On the 11:00 news of 28 August 2002, John Carlin claimed that during the lives of current college freshman, born in 1984, a Southerner has always been president. Born in Illinois (in the Midwest), Ronald Reagan, who retired as president in 1989, lived most of his adult life in California (in the West).
On 24 July 2001 at about 1:05 a.m., John Carlin suggested viewers to "stay tuned" during an interruption to switch to the station's new broadcast antenna. Viewers who took Carlin's advice were able to catch several hours of annoying snow and white noise.
The 11:00 news of 11 July 2001 included a report of numerous hospitalizations for salmonella. A reporter suggested to the audience that it was a good idea to wash hands before handling food. Because salmonella is usually spread by contaminated food, the advice is not pertinent to the problem.
On the 11:00 news of 24 June 2001, a meteorologist claimed that volcanic eruptions can change the climate. The dust they release can change the weather for a short time. Eventually, it settles out of the atmosphere. What long-term effect do they have that contributes to a change in climate?
On the 11:00 news of 26 January 2001, John Carlin correctly spoke of two candidates for governor. However, the graphic accompanying the story bore the legend, "the race for lieutenant governor".
On the 11:00 news of 5 January 2001, John Carlin said that bullet wounds were not uncommon in cities like New York. This is a strange choice. The rate of gun violence is lower in New York than in many southern cities, such as Washington, Miami, and New Orleans.
At 6:15 on the 6:00 news of 8 November 2000, a graphic display claimed the 1948 headline "Dewey Defeats Truman" was "the last time an incorrect headline hit the newspapers".
On the 5:00 news of 6 September 2000, it was reported that Wal-Mart would build a new store at the intersection of Routes 220 and 460 in Botetourt County. These roads intersect five miles from Botetourt County, in the city of Roanoke.
On the 5:00 news of 31 August 2000, basketball was reported to be "the most dangerous sport" for amateurs to participate in. This is nonsense. One is far more likely to be injured while mountain climbing or roller skating.
Presumably because there was videotape available, the 11:00 news of 29 August 2000 reported a fire that had been extinguished in a building in Westchester, California. Meanwhile, over 100 wildfires burned in 14 western states. Which story deserved to be told?
On the 11:00 news of 19 June 2000 (delayed to 12:15), a graphic spelled the name of musician Axl Rose as "Axel". Such a spelling would nullify his name's anagram, "oral sex".
On the 11:00 news of 27 June 2000, John Carlin called Interstate 81 one of the most dangerous roads in the area. It would have been nice if he had reported the number of casualties per passenger mile or passenger hour as compared with the average.
On the 11:00 news of 27 June 2000, John Carlin said "If John Rocker boards the #7 train, he will be completely surrounded by police officers." In that case, if Rocker sat with his back to the wall of the subway car, it would force several officers to ride outside, clinging to the wall of the train as it made its way through narrow tunnels.
On the midnight newscast of 26 September 1999 (morning of the 27th), it was claimed that Dan Quayle is "the first vice president in a half century not to get a presidential nomination from his party". How does this distinguish him from Alben Barkley (1949-1953), Spiro Agnew (1969-1973), and Nelson Rockefeller (1974-1977)?
On 29 June 1999, a reporter said that two people in a plane that crash-landed upside-down ended up "hanging from the ceiling". How can you hang from the ceiling if it is at the bottom of the passenger compartment?
On 12 April 1999, a newscast announced that former Gov. George Allen was expected to announce he would run for "state senator . . . against Charles Robb". Robb is a U.S. Senator whose seat is up for election in 2000, not a state senator. State senators are up for election in 1999. Observers believe that Robb will retire rather than run for re-election, because he cannot win his party's nomination.
WSLS-TV has run ads claiming that Baywatch airs five times a week. However, the program airs on Sunday at 9:00 a.m. and Monday through Friday at 3:00 p.m. I have even seen it on Saturday. That is six or seven times. Thus, they have falsely advertised.
On 11 Febrary 1999, a promotional announcement asked, "Can seatbelts on school buses make a difference? Or would they do more harm than good?" If there is more harm than good, doesn't that represent a difference?
On 17 December 1998 WSLS-TV's 11:00 meteorologist showed a weather map indicating that an "artic" front was approaching the region. A spell of "Arctic" weather was more likely.
On 17 December 1998 WSLS-TV's 5:30 news posted a chart indicating that "10,000 troops may deplore" in the Iraq conflict. Considering that "deplore" means to grieve, mourn, or lament, this is appropriate. However, it was evident that the troops would deploy.
On 24 November 1998 WSLS-TV's 6:00 news reported that a convicted killer would be "eligible for pediatric parole in 22 years". Shouldn't that be geriatric parole? People don't get younger.
On 12 November 1998 at 12:00 midnight, there was a preview of the "next Friends at 7:30 p.m. Because the station also broadcasts Friends at 5:00 p.m., the broadcast at 7:30 would not be the next.
On 24 September 1998, WSLS-TV took time from its news broadcast to promote cast changes on ER.
On 14 July 1998, WSLS-TV reported on "the year 2000 bug, that threatens to disrupt computers at the turn of the century". Problems are expected on 1 January 2000, a year before the turn of the century on 1 January 2001.
On 9 July 1998, WSLS-TV's 11:00 news asked, "What's being done to make sure disabled parking goes to people who deserve it?" Nothing, we hope. Disabled parking is not reserved for people who deserve it, but for people who need it.
On 24 June 1998 on WSLS-TV's 11:00 news, a report on contamination in swimming pools concluded with the words, "Chlorine breaks down bacteria in the water, but it takes about an hour before they become aware of the problem." How's that?
On 3 January 1998 on WSLS-TV's 11:00 news, a reporter at Michael Kennedy's funeral identified two of the attendees as Frank and Kathie Lee Gifford, parents of the widow. Frank is, but Kathie Lee is not.
On 20 August 1996, the 11:00 news on WSLS-TV described a woman who committed assisted suicide as a "victim" of Dr. Jack Kevorkian. Considering that the report concerned pending charges of which Kevorkian may once again be acquitted, this aspersion against the good doctor reflects severe bias, which must have slipped past incompetent editors.
On 16 August 1996, at 7:28 p.m., an announcement on WSLS-TV urged viewers to watch "Roseanne . . . tonight at 7". An episode had just ended and no other was broadcast that evening.
On 5 August 1996, at 8:59 p.m., WSLS-TV broadcast a promotional announcement urging viewers to watch "Baywatch today at 3:00". The show had ended five hours earlier.
For a long time, WSLS-TV aired promotional announcements at 2:05 a.m. for Nightside. Then they left the air without broadcasting the program as promised, inconveniencing and disappointing viewers who stayed up to watch the show. Fortunately, complaints have corrected this deceptive practice.
With $250,000, WSLS-TV could have benefitted viewers in this community with "a full season's worth of the most expensive syndicated programming." Instead, the station gave away the money in a vain attempt "to attract viewers to its 6 p.m. newscast" during only one month. The station paid about $300,000 to hustlers in Dallas who promised a "lucky number" contest. Few prizes were claimed, so the promoters kept most of the money. The station operator showed incredibly poor judgement to throw away revenues so carelessly.
On 10 January 1996, at 7:58 p.m., WSLS-TV aired a promotional announcement for an episode of Married with Children to appear "tonight at 7:30". The program had just ended.
On 9 January 1996, the weather announcer on WSLS-TV claimed that Lake Okeechobee was in "northern Florida". In fact, the north end of the lake is 185 miles (296km) from the southern end of Florida and 275 miles (440 km) from the northern extremity, placing the lake well within the southern half of the state.
On 7 October 2003, considering the question of whether Virginia could have a 135-candidate recall election like California's, Jay Warren answered "no". He must believe that Virginia can never amend its constitution in that way.

WXII-TV 12 in NC Triad

On 11 November 1998, Angela Green reported that Admiral James Stockdale had received the "Congressional Medal of Honor". There is no medal by that name. The Congressional Medal is an award bestowed by Congress, usually to civilians. Admiral Stockdale holds the Medal of Honor, which is only awarded administratively to military heroes.
On 21 September 1995, WXII-TV filled time on its 6:00 newscast with promotion for NBC prime-time shows.

WSET-TV 13 in Lynchburg, VA

A promo for the 11:00 news of 17 January 2003 mentioned pending legislation to make it illegal to talk on a cell phone while driving. If the law passes, drivers can expect to be allowed to hold and dial the phone, but not to talk on it -- or on one held by a passenger.
On 15 December 2002, the 11:00 news was introduced with the announcement that Albert Gore had ruled out another run for president. Actually, Gore only ruled out a run in 2004, making no commitment regarding future years.
On 9 August 2001, it was reported that George DWI Bush's decision to support limited embryonic stem cell research "was not an easy one for him". In what way? Did he have difficulty pronouncing the words on the paper that was handed to him to read?
On 15 December 2000, the announcer reported that the 2000 election was over. Votes were still being counted in the 26th Senate District in Manhattan.
On 21 March 1999, a delayed broadcast of the (11:00) news announced that "Robert" Benigni had won an Oscar. The winning actor/director's first name is usually pronounced "Roberto".
On 21 March 1999, the 6:00 news reported that a substance found in tomatoes could help prevent cancer of the "pharnyx". Unfortunately, more people get cancer in the pharynx.
On 16 July 1997, a weather forecaster explaining how to measure the distance from lightning reported that light travels at "several million times" the speed of sound. Actually, in our atmosphere, light travels at 892,800 times the speed of sound.

WBRA-TV 15 in Roanoke, VA

On Saturday, 11 November 2007, a promotional announcement for Nature described a man serving as a "surrogate mother" for orphaned cheetahs. Sounds like a difficult birth.
On Sunday 14 October 2007, an announcer invited viewers to watch "High Society" on Saturday. The Saturday showing had already occurred the previous evening. It might be shown on Sunday, 21 October.
On 30 June 1999, at 10:00 p.m., a promotional announcement appeared for a segment of "American Masters" on the life of Lillian Hellman. The show had just aired.

WFXR-TV 27 in Roanoke, VA

At 8:00-8:01 p.m. on 7 November 2007, the begiinning of "Back to You" was truncated to show an ad for Awful Arthur's restaurant.
On the 10:00 news of 11 August 2004, an anchor asked of school construction, "Do you think it is going to affect kids?" If not, it must be a waste of money.
On 20 and 21 July 2004, a banner during The Drew Carey Show contained the message: "Your watching Drew Carey" (sic). Did it mean, "You're watching Drew Carey"?
On the 10:00 news of 19 July 2004, John Carlin urged viewers to participate a poll with two options: whether the city of Roanoke should renovate Victory stadium or build a new stadium. No option was available to those who might want two stadia or none.
On 15 July 2004, during the closing of The Drew Carey Show, the closing dialogue with Drew at Lewis and Oswald's door was drowned out by promotional announcement for the next show.
On 14 Feb 2004, during the closing of The Drew Carey Show, Tim Allen's conversation with John Goodman was drowned out by an announcement for another show.
On 13 Feb 2004, during the closing of Ellen, a performance by K. C. and the Sunshine Band was drowned out by an announcement for the next show.
On 7 Feb 2004, during the closing of The Drew Carey Show, the conversation of the main characters in a convertible pelted by garbage was drowned out by an announcement for another show.

WPXR-TV 38 in Roanoke, VA

On 26 March 2004, Anne Bancroft's moving soliloquy in Garbo Talks suffered an abrupt cut to a commercial instead of a smooth close.

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