Alaska TV Station Calls Miller Smear Fabrication Charges ‘Absurd’
- Posted on October 31, 2010 at 5:49pm by
Jonathon M. Seidl
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A hot media battle is brewing up in cold Alaska.
After Senate candidate Joe Miller (R) released audio on Saturday he says shows local CBS affiliate KTVA-TV conspiring to link him to “child molesters” at a rally of his, the station has responded. Their claim? “While the recording is real, the allegations are untrue.”
(Read our original report and listen to the recording.)
In a statement on Sunday, the station called the recording “unfortunate” but said the idea that the station was considering fabricating stories or trumping up allegations is “absurd.”
“The perception that this garbled, out of context recording may leave is unfortunate, but to allege that our staff was discussing or planning to create or fabricate stories regarding candidate Miller is absurd,” KTVA General Manager Jerry Bever said in the statement. “The complete conversation was about what others might be able to do to cause disruption within the Miller campaign, not what KTVA could do.”
That “complete conversation,” Bever explained, included potential scenarios at an upcoming rally.
“The group of KTVA news personnel was reviewing potential ‘what-if’ scenarios,” he said, “discussing the likelihood of events at the rally and how KTVA might logistically disseminate any breaking news.”
Miller‘s campaign believes the recording implicates the station’s news director and assignment editor, a claim Bever rebuffs in the statement:
Released October 31, 2010: 9:17 a.m. (Alaska Standard Time)
A press release issued Saturday October 30, 2010, by the Joe Miller campaign claims that KTVA personnel, “openly discuss creating, if not fabricating, two stories about Republican nominee for U.S. Senate, Joe Miller.” KTVA General Manager Jerry Bever says, “It’s unfortunate that this recording has happened. It’s unfortunate because it does not accurately reflect the journalistic standards of our newsroom and the garbled context will no doubt leave more questions than answers. The Miller campaign’s analysis of the recording is incorrect in many material ways ranging from personnel involved in the conversation, the interpretation of conversation snippets and the reported transcript of the perceived garbled conversation.”
“While the recording is real, the allegations are untrue,” said Bever. “The recording was the result of a cell phone not being hung up after a call was placed to Randy DeSoto, Joe Miller campaign spokesperson, Thursday afternoon to discuss Joe Miller‘s appearance on that evening’s newscast. That phone call was placed near the end of a coverage planning meeting in our newsroom regarding that evening’s Miller rally in downtown Anchorage. The group of KTVA news personnel was reviewing potential “what-if” scenarios, discussing the likelihood of events at the rally and how KTVA might logistically disseminate any breaking news.”
Bever continues, “The perception that this garbled, out of context recording may leave is unfortunate, but to allege that our staff was discussing or planning to create or fabricate stories regarding candidate Miller is absurd. The complete conversation was about what others might be able to do to cause disruption within the Miller campaign, not what KTVA could do.”
While Bever would not discuss any personnel issues linked with the recording, Bever says “Have we had internal discussions about the level of professionalism we need to bring to our conversations, internally and externally? Of course we have, this is a lesson to learn from.”
In response to the audio recording, former Alaska governor Sarah Palin called KTVA “corrupt bastards.”
And while Politico’s Ben Smith believes the recording’s transcript does not make it “terribly clear” what the news staff is talking about, Jim Hoft over at Gateway Pundit says the station’s response is what is unclear: “Sorry, KTVA. That doesn’t make any sense. Guilty.”
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Comments (67)
Waiting4George
Posted on October 31, 2010 at 8:52pmSure. That‘s what the neighbor’s ex husband said when she caught him fooling around. You ain‘t seein’ what your seein’. Or, in this case hearin‘ what your hearin’.
Report Post »Impeach-BO
Posted on October 31, 2010 at 8:44pmKTVA General Manager Jerry Bever said in the statement. “The complete conversation was about what others might be able to do to cause disruption within the Miller campaign, not what KTVA could do.”
Yeah, sure, KTVA wouldn’t do it of course not, the KTVA big wigs are too spineless to try any of this….but they sure send their minions to do it.
Probably give these corrupting ideas to ANYONE stupid enough and hatefilled enough to do something like this. And trust me there is no shortage of progressive/******** that would pull a stunt like this.
Looks like all their negative tactics backfired bigtime!!!!
And when they said, “um, yeah the tape is real but what‘s on the tape isn’t”. How stupid do they think we are. Yeah just another way to try and spin their way out of the corrupt mess they make.
Report Post »Alvin691
Posted on October 31, 2010 at 9:50pmYes, but the “others” were MoveOn.org visitors in the news room
Report Post »NHABE64
Posted on October 31, 2010 at 8:43pmI wonder how media like this that receive crumbs from George Soros can simply betray the integrity of their work, betray the American public, and betray themselves. It is shameful and I am ashamed of them. How does this guy George Soros seem able to buy off just about everybody to accmmodate his evil intention for this country. Are not some things more important than money ? These media in Alaska have obviously like so many sold their souls for 30 coins of silver. A pity…
Report Post »Tri-ox
Posted on October 31, 2010 at 8:22pmTick-tock CBS…we are waiting for you to denounce the actions of your affiliate station. Tick-tock KTVA…we are waiting for someone to be fired and for your public apology. Tick-tock…the clock is ticking and we will not wait much longer…
Report Post »mjbeejr
Posted on October 31, 2010 at 8:18pmNo issues, just lies, lies and more lies. That’s all these corrupt left wing dirt bags have to offer in this campaign. God’s watching them!
Report Post »Okpulot Taha
Posted on October 31, 2010 at 8:16pm“For the CBS Evening News, Dan Rather reporting. Good night, and goodbye.”
Okpulot Taha
Report Post »Choctaw Nation
mamawalker
Posted on October 31, 2010 at 8:03pmAnother ploy by the liberal media…today they are announcing the democrats are closing and are now leading in key races and will retain the House and Senate in an attempt to keep conservatives at home on election day…anyone with a brain can listen to the tape with the laughter in the background exactly what these pitiful excuses for reporters were plotting…VOTE!!!!
Report Post »277v
Posted on October 31, 2010 at 7:55pmAlaska used to seem straightforward with its news, not anymore.I would say I’m never watching channel 11 again, but I don’t watch them anyway. Now I have a reason not to.
Report Post »Hangtimes
Posted on October 31, 2010 at 7:48pmI will pray for the corrupt media.
With great vigor, until I run out of adjectives.
Report Post »RepubliCorp
Posted on October 31, 2010 at 7:39pmOh..they where only kidding………& its Bushs fault
Report Post »felina g
Posted on October 31, 2010 at 7:31pmWell…“what if” you are now looking for a new job ?
Journalistas don`t get another chance. Vee vill crash you.
Report Post »cosette
Posted on October 31, 2010 at 7:23pmHey KTVA Corrupt Bastards System (CBS), Bite Me!
Report Post »Silat
Posted on October 31, 2010 at 7:20pmDeny, deny, deny. It is the what the godless do!
Report Post »Tri-ox
Posted on October 31, 2010 at 7:15pmUh huh. We have heard the recording and it is clear what this CBS affiliate station had planned; When will CBS respond? When will CBS take action? When will the management of KTVA apologize to Joe Miller and the people of Alaska?
Report Post »snowleopard3200 {mix art}
Posted on October 31, 2010 at 7:56pmNope. Do not count on it. However we could encourage them to be sent out to check on the native Grizzly Bears and let the bears have a free snack. Of course the EPA and eco-wackos would then complain about the bears having upset tummies.
One case of Pepto on the way from the lower 48.
Report Post »Liberty220
Posted on October 31, 2010 at 7:15pmWe will put them in their place in just 2 days. The phony progressives, the corrupt bastard media and the lying liberals will melt like the wicked witch of the west under the light of truth after Tuesday.
Report Post »heavyduty
Posted on October 31, 2010 at 7:14pmI would think that they would ban the station from attending the campaign meeting. Since they have already shown that they are bias toward him. Then they can go to the Mookowski campaign and smear her. Oh that’s right she is a democrat disguised as a Republican. If a candidate changes parties in the middle of an election, they should have to sit it out. Then this would stop some of the crap that is going on in this election.
Report Post »vennoye
Posted on October 31, 2010 at 7:04pmBusted
Report Post »starman70
Posted on November 1, 2010 at 10:22amMSNBC is already negotiating contracts with them to become “Repoeters” .
Report Post »Dodsfall
Posted on October 31, 2010 at 7:03pmThey were discussing what others may do? Really?
I heard the term “We” a few times in the discussion.
Report Post »bobby535
Posted on October 31, 2010 at 9:27pm….and “I like that.”
Report Post »rexriley
Posted on October 31, 2010 at 7:02pm… we need to restore honor in Alaska.
Report Post »barnone
Posted on October 31, 2010 at 7:01pmHe is talking BS. There were experienced reporters in the room. Have them provide a detailed comment by comment quote on who said what and let us compare it to the audio recording.
Let us be the judge.
These experienced reporters can’t even remember who was in the room?
Report Post »PeterThePainter
Posted on October 31, 2010 at 7:01pmFirst order of business for the left….deny, deny, deny, deflect and make accusations of a conspirasy.
Report Post »RECALLhimNOW
Posted on October 31, 2010 at 7:00pmLesson to learn by, my behind! They learned to turn their phones off BUT not soon enough!!!! Boycott anything CBS!!!!
Report Post »w4jle
Posted on October 31, 2010 at 6:59pmAnother “teachable moment”? That seems to be the cure all or screw ups.
Report Post »bbse
Posted on October 31, 2010 at 6:59pmI wonder how the left would respond if any such tape surfaced from a Republican operative. Oh, wait…they are not Democratic operatives, they are the press…..errrr, would someone tell me how I am I supposed to tell the difference between the two?
Report Post »Anarcho Capitalist
Posted on October 31, 2010 at 7:13pmThe press is more credible.
Report Post »snowleopard3200 {mix art}
Posted on October 31, 2010 at 7:54pmThis might help understand the difference somewhat…
The only difference between Operatives (a.k.a. Spies/agents) and the Press is a matter of credentials and who will accept them, deport you, or just shoot you on the spot. Not much of a difference to me as far as I am aware.
Report Post »DHD
Posted on October 31, 2010 at 6:58pmBull
Report Post »FreedomOfSpeech
Posted on October 31, 2010 at 7:34pmWhat’s absurd is their excuse. We were just saying what COULD happen. Yeah, right.
Obama is now burning books like the Nazis did.
This comment does not necessarily reflect the views of Glenn Beck, The Blaze, theblaze.com, Fox News or anyone else for that matter. The FAT CLOWN ANCHOR at MSNBC can eat balls.
Report Post »snowleopard3200 {mix art}
Posted on October 31, 2010 at 7:43pmAgreed.
Report Post »ron the veteran
Posted on October 31, 2010 at 8:39pmfrom what i an hear miller is right to call them smear merchants. cbs your lies are why you got no viewers. its time to rethink their license renewal we need truth in news not commie shills for the left. but america is seeing the truth about this commie media we have. its time to clean house america. vote these fools out and go after the ones who stay for the crimes against americans. its time to prosicute them for violating their oath of office. they did take it freely so im sure they wont mind being held accountable for it. its time to lock them up for the robbing of american taxpayers.
Report Post »gracentruth
Posted on October 31, 2010 at 9:46pmI agree. Caught in the act – guilty. And it probably has bee done to many conservatives throughout the nation. The media lies and lies and lies . . . . . . .
Report Post »Alvin691
Posted on October 31, 2010 at 9:47pmSecond
Report Post »jzs
Posted on November 1, 2010 at 12:54amWhere’s the audio? All they have to is release it. Why are they waiting? Let’s hear it!
Report Post »Steve Smith
Posted on November 1, 2010 at 3:24amHey, I didn’t know Baghdad Bob got a new job in Alaska!
Report Post »rebel
Posted on November 1, 2010 at 3:36amtook a whole day to release that? hmmmmmmmmmmm. nope. i don’t buy it. innocent people scream i’m innocent. guilty people get their stories together
Report Post »knorrgin
Posted on November 1, 2010 at 10:10amBut remember- according to the Dems (most recently the haughty John KerrywhoservedinVietnam) we are all just too stupid. We have to be told what everything means, including what we hear with our own ears and see with our own eyes. Let’s see how smart we look Wednesday, shall we?
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