What is OCA? Well, let's see what they have to say on their website?
Ohio Citizen Action is the state's largest environmental organization, with 100,000 dues-paying members.So...what sort of expertise would an environmental group have in analyzing CoinGate memos?
We combine original, newsmaking research, an extraordinary ability to stay in touch with members door-to-door and on the phone, and community 'good neighbor' campaigns.
These campaigns offer practical ways for members to make the most of whatever time they can spare: signing petitions, writing letters, making phone calls, talking to neighbors, or speaking out at community meetings.
That's exactly what the "meat" of the ONN story is about.
"Surprisingly little information, but enough information that you would expect the Governor to say ‘ok, what exactly happened,’" Turcer says of the report.Turcer has no idea what the memo really means beyond what it says. She has no facts to add to the discussion; so again, I ask, why has ONN sought out an opinion from an environmental group? Could it be bias? I emailed them, let's see if I get a response.
Then in mid-November, with the red ink still drying from the losses, Conrad wrote about new plans to again invest in hedge funds.
The weekly reports seem to suggest an unwritten understanding that the Governor did have all the details. On November 4, Conrad wrote that he wants to let the Governor know that they're doing everything possible to protect the state insurance fund.
Turcer says it sounds like code.
"And then to say ‘we're going to do everything possible.’ This is certainly code for ‘we're up a creek without a paddle and we're doing the best we can.’ And clearly there were conversations that were going on. They just were going on. They just weren't going on in writing,” Turcer claims.
ONN News Director Responds
Matt,I'm not really satisfied with that response, are you? No mention at all of the use of the apparently clairvoyant Ms. Turcer...
Thank you for using ONN and for sharing your thoughts. We work exceedingly hard to report stories comprehensively and continue that commitment through this developing story. The specific piece you are referring to was produced by our sister station WBNS and they did contact James Conrad for a comment in the story. We also have been exhaustive in our extended live coverage of this issue from all angles. In fact, ONN dedicated the air time to televise two complete news conferences live from Governor Taft and an entire news conference from Attorney General Jim Petro where they discussed these issues. ONN also aired a 9 minute interview from Mark Lay in its entirety for the most complete accounts of those involved in their own words.
Throughout the process we also have had reports contributed from our partners WBNS and The Columbus Dispatch which included various interviews from other parties involved. Thanks again for your thoughts and we will take your input suggestions from other viewers into consideration in our coverage of this continuing story.
Greg Fisher
ONN News Director
My Reply:
Mr. Fisher,Let's see if that gets us anywhere.
I appreciate your timely response.
Let me see if I understand you. You find this story to be acceptable journalism?
Do you know anything about the Ohio Citizen Action group? They are environmentalists...what does environmental issues have to do with this story? Ms. Turcer has an axe to grind, that's what. What did using her quotes "add" to the continuing coverage of the story?
I find it curious that the story has no reaction from Republican leadership in regards to Ms. Turcer's statements. I suspect that if this were an objective piece, we'd at least have that.
