Can I get A Witness?

KSTP fancies itself an eyewitness news organization, yet it seems unable to keep an eye on the AFSCME Strike at the U. No reports on their on-line web presence since September 5th. No wonder eyewitness testimony, we mean news, is so unreliable. Of course, they are not alone, WCCO looks to be just as blind to the news going on at the U. At least, KARE found its way back to the campus today. Though the administration PR hack justified the KARE's emphasis on a conflict frame between the administration and the faculty, the real conflict here is between the U administration and the AFSCME workers on strike. Hold the U adminstration accountable for communicating threats to faculty rather than negotiating in good faith with AFSCME.

Does KARE 11 Care?

A review of the KARE11.com website reveals a lack of coverage of the AFSCME strike at the University of Minnesota (nothing since their 9/5 story). Today, on the first week the anniversary of the strike, KARE 11 failed to cover the ALL WALK OUT FOR AFSCME TEACH IN. It is not for a lack of knowledge, for KARE11.com linked to the Minnesota Daily Editorial in favor of Walkout. It is time for KARE 11 to return to campus to correct their erroneous report that students are unmoved by the Strike.

Bury the Lead

On the 1st week anniversary of the AFSCME strike of the U, the STRIB buries the lead. While it's business page ignores a strike at the 3rd largest employer in Minnesota, Jeff Shelman provides a brief update on the bottom of the 3rd page of the metro section. Under the headline "No new talks are planned in 2nd week of U walkout" the STRIB reports that the State Mediator Jan Johnson has not called the two sides to the table because it will require a call from someone to "say they are willing to move." The someone in the quote is the U administatration, especially President Bruininks and Provost Sullivan, who refuse to negotiate in good faith. Moreover, Shelman's healdine implies that nothing newsworthy is happening regarding the strike. He fails to mention the TEACH IN's today (Tuesday) and tomorrow, nor does he mention the support activities of legislators, faculty, students, workers, and business to sustain the strike and to call out the adminstration's unfair contract offer. The STRIB needs more reporting on the ground if it hopes to to provide timely news coverage.

THE STRIB IGNORES WORKING MOTHERS

On September 10th, 2007, the STAR TRIBUNE failed to report on the brave working mothers on Strike with the AFSCME Health Care, Technical and Clerical Workers. Does a Newspaper that ignores working mothers deserve our support? The Star Tribune can do better. We look forward to their presence at the TEACH IN Tuesday and Wednesday at the OAK STREET Cinema.