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An Open Letter to Tim Dearman, Bethany Fuller and the Editors of the Statesville Record and Landmark:
It saddens me greatly to read Bethany Fuller's article entitled, "Commissioners: Documents show possible problems in I-SS," published on Saturday, July 21. By publishing this inaccurate article, you are directly responsible for exposing a confidential source to ridicule and possible harm. You are aware, as you and your reporter were listening to the Rick Baker Show on Friday, July 20, that these documents were to remain anonymous until County Commissioner Griffith had contacted Congresswoman Foxx and Senator Richard Burr. The source of these documents, Rick Baker himself, and Commissioner Griffith had all three gone to great lengths to protect the identity of this whistleblower.
Feeling upstaged, you decided to publish an inaccurate article on this breaking story, complete with quotes ascribed to County Commissioner Steve Johnson that were false, so as to make it appear that you are part of this breaking story. Not only did you endanger our source, but you impugned the integrity of the Chairman of our County Commissioners.
How is it that your news organization is not concerned about giving credit to other news organizations for their journalistic work and discoveries? "Griffth made similar comments Friday on a local radio program," and "On the radio station Friday, Griffith said..."
Let's set the "Record" straight: This story was broken on The Rick Baker Show. His show is the first time Commissioner Griffith spoke to anyone about this. It was on his show. She did not "make similar comments" on the show as you claim. She made similar comments to you, but her initial comments were on the Rick Baker Show, as an exclusive.
Mr. Dearman, I can understand that it is embarrassing for you, your staff and The "Record and Landmark because you have not investigated this story, either intentionally or because you assigned no value to it. In the future, may I recommend that you commit yourself to the journalistic integrity of your new owner, Warren Buffett.
Our community deserves better from your newspaper. We have become the leading source of information in our region for a reason, one of which has been highlighted here. We are now investing in the top talent in our region and I would recommend that your paper do the same.
Oh, and one more thing: You might want to spellcheck your story before you publish it. "Griffth?"
Mark Sanger
President / CEO
Iredell Broadcasting, Inc.
1400 WSIC
TV 21.2
Phone
www.WSICweb.com
"The Only Locally Owned News Source in Iredell County!"
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