Los Angeles Times (2/28): 'News' Video Extols Gov.'s Plan

From the Los Angeles Times
Dated Monday February 28

"News" Video Extols Gov.`s Plan
Critics say the state used taxpayer money to promote a proposal to alter meal break rules, which could benefit Schwarzenegger donors.
By Dan Morain, Times Staff Writer

Sacramento — Using taxpayer money, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's administration has sent television stations statewide a mock news story extolling a proposal that would benefit political boosters in the business community by ending mandatory lunch breaks for many hourly workers.

The tape looks like a news report and is narrated by a former television reporter who now works for the state. But unlike an actual news report, it does not provide views critical of the proposed changes. Democrats have denounced it as propaganda. Snippets aired on as many as 18 stations earlier this month, the administration said.

The tape opens with text suggesting introductory comments to be read by a news anchor: "If approved, the changes would clear up uncertainty in the business community and create a better working environment throughout the state."

The video shows construction workers, waitresses, nurses, farmworkers and a forklift operator at their jobs, and includes interviews with a farmer and a restaurant manager. The narrator says the proposal would permit workers to "eat when they are hungry, and not when the government tells them."

Shades of Karen Ryan!!

no one will even pay any attention to this story. * has been so outrageous that govt propaganda no longer raises eyebrows.

Otherwise, it will become business as usual. And that would be the very worst thing that could happen.

what's up with the 'teacher' of 43 years, from Long Beach, who is ranting on a new radio ad about Ca teachers and CTA 'lying' about the education budget?
Is she a 'teacher' now, was she, or is she a charter schoolmarm??

That ad is insulting, as well.

Anyone with any scoop on it?

:mad: