The Sad State of TV News

I simply want to commend Gary Franklin on his piece regarding Carol Marin, Jerry Springer and the state of local news today (“Springer Saga Is Wake-Up Call,” Counterpunch, May 12).

I was born and raised in Chicago and, before I moved out to L.A., I slowly watched how the local news continued to decline, moving toward rating points and away from important news stories.

I am glad that Franklin raised the issue once again and addressed how this is not only something happening in Chicago. Across the country, I have found myself unable to stomach any local news shows.

Since television has become a substitute for the printed newspaper, how will people learn about the important issues that are affecting our lives every day? We certainly won’t get it from Springer and the many other talk-show hosts spewing pathetic trivialities on a daily basis. I’m just hoping that this tabloid news-style is only a fad. We’ll see.

JOE HERNANDEZ-KOLSKI

Los Angeles

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I totally agree with Franklin. I sometimes feel that I am drowning in a sea of garbage, and I don’t even watch television or go online. It’s all-pervasive and pollutes our lives from everywhere.

I disagree, however, and wish to protest very loudly when he bunches issues of stray cats and dogs with the rest of the garbage. Our lack of responsibility in neutering our companion animals is the garbage.

The enormous population of homeless animals is due to our negligence and selfishness. Millions of innocent creatures are killed every year in so-called shelters, and many others die of starvation, disease or car accidents.

That should be reason enough to consider this issue separately from the junk Franklin mentions.

RACHEL ROSENTHAL

Los Angeles