Letter: TV news wasted viewers’ time on Jackson drivel

Monday, Nov. 24, 2003 | 8:45 a.m.

If one doubts the abysmal state of the local television news operations here in Las Vegas, one need only to have watched our local network affiliates over the several days as they fixated over what was really a minor story -- the search for, and the eventual arrest of, entertainer Michael Jackson.

Talk about overkill! There were in-studio talent, on-scene stand-ups, helicopter crews both here and in Santa Barbara, Calif., and even a mind-numbingly boring pursuit of an SUV, with Mr. Jackson allegedly inside, as it wended its way to wherever it ended up. We finally gave up all hope of seeing any real news and switched to the History Channel.

There is currently nothing to indicate that a crime even took place, save for an apparent allegation by a 12-year-old. I am reminded of the Virginia McMartin fiasco, where the reputation and the financial well-being of an entire family was ruined because of false accusations, inept police work and an overzealous prosecutor.

I don't know whether Mr. Jackson is guilty. But he should enjoy the same presumption of innocence as anyone else. At worst, the local television media have forever impugned his reputation. At the very least, they have wasted hours of valuable air time with this drivel.

J. JEFFREY TATE