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August 22, 2007· scvtalk.com · PHP-Nuke (SCVTalk 1.0) · Wayback capture

KHTS Takes Issue with SCVTalk editorial

What is newsworthy? That is the question the preoccupies me every morning when I try to find news and information on Santa Clarita that you won't read in other local media. One day last week, I found an article on KHTS AM 1220's website that, to me, did not seem worthy of the title "news." The article read like an advertisement for a prominent local businessman and community leader, and I wrote a brief editorial in the August 17, 2007 Daily Brief admonishing KHTS for posting a "newsvertisement" and asking them to do a better job. That editorial didn't escape the notice of Carl Goldman, KHTS' co-owner, who says my criticism of the posting was "unwarranted.

We appreciate the critique of our KHTS radio news in your August 17th Daily Brief and when we make a mistake, we are the first to admit it. However, with the article we wrote about Gary Condie winning one of the Top 25 CPA awards, we feel the criticism is unwarranted. This is indeed a prestigious award, one that is recognized by CPA’s throughout the state as one of the most prestigious. It’s issued by their statewide organization. In the past, we have written articles whenever any local business receives a major award. Whether it is a local award like the Santa Clarita Press Club’s Newsmakers, the Santa Clarita Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year, or State and National Awards, such as the one George Thomas, owner of Route 66 received last year from Assemblyman Cameron Smyth, or the national award Valencia Acura’s Cheri Fleming received as The National Automobile Dealership and Newsweek’s “Dealer of the Year.” It is a testament to Santa Clarita that many of our business leaders are receiving such honors. Along with Gary Condie, there are a number of other leading CPA’s in Santa Clarita whom I respect. I spoke with two them after seeing your blog to confirm we were on target with our story, Lloyd Sreden (Stern, Kory, Sreden & Morgan) and Julie Sturgeon. Both agreed that the award Gary received is a major award in their profession, one that is definitely worthy of the attention we gave it. Julie informed me that another local CPA, Kevin Holmes, was also named one of the Top 25 CPA’s. We intend to write an article about Kevin, as well. Carl Goldman, Co-Owner KHTS AM-1220 Radio
Santa Clarita's Hometown Station
So what did you think of the article? Was it legitimate news or do you think it read like a press release? Comment below if you please. As always, feel free to email me or submit a post if you'd like to comment on the content of this website.

Comments (7)

  1. BlacksheepAugust 23 at 5:27 PM PT
    Well, if the Signal takes exception with Manzer, allow me to do the mocking for a moment. I have read this paper since it was a freebie tossed on the driveway a couple times a week. I must say that Randy Wicks was the best part. I still remember 'Bermites'! Since he passed, the paper has turned into a cheerleader for Buck and the Republican establishment selling us out by blaming the county. Total derision went to anyone swimming against the development tide. Why, Mr Harn, to this day have we not read a single critique of Buck's support of Tom DeLay or his contributions for his defense or his voting against an ethics investigation. Old news, right? How about Buck and the student loan programs. How about his pro war votes while ignoring any contrary opinions like how Iraq DID NOT attack us on 9-11. I am so sorry you don't have the space to run these stories in between yet another society piece. You seem to think that this entire valley is Valencia. You kiss butt to your advertisers and call it news. Yet another story with pictures about the Flemings? The valley has gone to hell and The Signal still has the rose colored glasses on. We need more plastic surgery stories. Lipo, tucks, boob jobs, etc. Give me a break! Not even a decent op-ed or LTE's. Just more wire service stories and typo filled fluff. That is why you no longer grace my driveway. I now devote the 5 minutes it took to read the Signal to leave even earlier to work due to the overdevelopment. Your current staff makes me miss Dwight Jurgens! On top of it all you want me to pay for this drivel?
  2. honeystartpackingAugust 22 at 10:34 AM PT
    Yes, this is newsworthy. KHTS could have made an attempt to make this more of a story rather than copying the standard (dry) press release, but Condie shouldn't be barred from getting recognition for this award. This is no less newsworthy than reporting the results of elections in local clubs and organizations, or the accomplishments (no matter how small) of local actors that are regularly reported. Local residents should be able to get recognition for their accomplishments in the local press. The fact that this particular KHTS article reads more like a resume for Condie is likely what spurred the criticism.
  3. mikeAugust 22 at 10:53 AM PT
    I've just read the article and I could see his point if the distinction were a bit more notable. While I'm sure Mr. Condie is a fine man and a great CPA, there are 25 winners out of a pool of less than 100, all of whom had to be nominated. The SCV comprises over 10% of the population served by the SFVBJ, so it should be no surprise that someone from the area made the list. The fact that another local CPA was on the list and has escaped mention gives credibility that the article was not "reported" but was a repurposed bit of publicity for Mr. Condie.
  4. mikeAugust 22 at 10:59 AM PT
    I should add that it's a testament to the good reporting that the station does that it's being held to this sort of scrutiny. Who can ever forget the multi-part exposé of Vital Express? But since we're giving scrutiny, it's "CPAs" not "CPA's"
  5. pinkyAugust 22 at 11:31 AM PT
    KHTS article read like a press release that was issued from someone in Mr Condie's office, passed on to KHTS and printed without any followup interview with Mr. Condies. This is not a true news story in my opinion. It is a "People in the News Story'. To make it a news story, the writers/editors should have included some of the information mentioned in some the comments included in this site-see above comments... Thanks Jeff for catching this...it is up to the 'Fifth estate' (independent internet journalists) to now keep an eye on the 'Fourth estate' (the U.S media in general)...
  6. MorningstarrAugust 22 at 2:29 PM PT
    I've been an Accountant for over 20 years and I never even heard of the award. How is it judged? If your Debits & Credits balance? Anyway, I am making light of what I'm sure must be a huge honor. But the question if it is newsworthy is a whole 'nother matter.
  7. jayharnAugust 22 at 7:51 PM PT
    I just wanted to commend Carl on his response to your statements about what you consider news. He is right when he states that local people receiving awards are news. The Santa Clarita Valley is made up of people who make a difference. This is news and what community journalism is all about. From your previous posts, I have the impression that you may not understand what "community journalism" is all about. You mocked The Signal for calling itself a "community newspaper" and now you believe that stories about local people who receive awards may not be "real" news. Too bad. Community journalism is journalism at the grass roots level. I would think that a blog called "SCVtalk" would understand that concept. Jay Harn Publisher The Signal

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