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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Respecting
Accuracy in Domestic Abuse Reporting (RADAR)
Contact: Mark B. Rosenthal,
781-956-1034
mbr@arlsoft.com
www.mediaradar.org
Washington, DC., Dec. 07/05 - PBS
ombudsman Michael Getler has charged that PBS’ Breaking the Silence
failed to meet basic editorial standards of objectivity and fairness.
Getler’s critique comes just days after a similar rebuke by the
Corporation for Public Broadcasting. [www.cpb.org/ombudsmen/051129bode.html]
Getler was highly critical of the fact that "there was no recognition
of opposing views." As a result, "this particular program had almost
no balance," turning it "into more of an advocacy, or point-of-view
presentation." [www.pbs.org/ombudsman]
Breaking the Silence makes the statement that abusive fathers often
gain custody of their children from their protective mothers. But
Getler disputes that claim, noting that "women are also capable of
being abusers" and "the vast majority of fathers do not behave badly."
The Public Broadcasting Service documentary has been the subject of
intense controversy since its release in October. To date, articles,
editorials, and programs critical of the one-sided documentary have
appeared in over 30 newspapers, radio shows, and other media outlets.
Boston Globe columnist Cathy Young charged the PBS show presented a
"skewed and sensationalist picture" of child abuse. Fox News writer
Wendy McElroy slammed the program for falsely presenting a serial
child abuser as a wronged heroine, a depiction McElroy called
"shameful."
Now, almost one-third of PBS affiliates around the country have opted
to not air the program. Others have aired opposing views.
This past Thursday R.A.D.A.R. - Respecting Accuracy in Domestic Abuse
Reporting - sent a letter to PBS head Pat Mitchell. The letter called
upon PBS to immediately retract Breaking the Silence. The letter also
requested PBS to produce a factual documentary highlighting the plight
of children endangered by a court system that prevents their fathers
from protecting them. [www.mediaradar.org/docs/RADAR_letter_to_PatMitchell
12012005.pdf]
PBS is expected to announce the results of its 30-day review of the
program later this week.
RADAR is a network of men and women working
to assure balanced media coverage of the domestic violence issue:
www.mediaradar.org
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