Letter: Senator stands by Fox News efforts

Friday, Jan. 18, 2002 | 10:08 a.m.

I am dismayed and disappointed at the venomous tone in Brian Greenspun's Jan. 11 "Where I Stand" column, criticizing me and others for our involvement in pressuring Cox Communications to broadcast Fox News on Cox Cable in Las Vegas. The column stated that I was "hoodwinked" into bringing the network to Cox Cable. Nothing could be further from the truth.

We received a number of letters from concerned Nevadans with one simple question, "Why can't Fox News run on Cox Cable?" When I asked Cox Cable the same question, I was told that it was a money difference between Cox Cable and Fox News. I specifically told the local Cox representatives and their corporate headquarters that, if their decision not to carry Fox News was based on a fiscal business decision, I would understand. I wanted to make sure that the decision was not based on politics. Some view Fox News as presenting more of a balanced news product because both sides are represented.

I would like to emphasize two additional points. First, following a year of warming bipartisanship, Greenspun's conservative bashing is transparent and petty. He could have made his point without descending to characterizations such as "far right nuts." Second, I was elected to represent Nevadans, not editorial boards.

I am certainly not a stranger to criticism as free speech is what makes our nation unique. While this issue is obviously personal to Greenspun, it is just one of hundreds of ways I am working for Nevadans. I guess I should expect similar criticism for my hard-line tactics as a member of the powerful Senate Commerce Committee when I pressure airline executives to expand or retain vital flights to the Las Vegas and Reno airports. I do not regret any action I have taken which benefits Nevadans, nor will I apologize for it.

Finally, I learned a long time ago not to take politics or business personally and not to resort to personal attacks on others. Greenspun, obviously, has chosen not to draw that line.

JOHN ENSIGN

Editor's note: The writer is a U.S. senator from Nevada.