Ask Gramps.org

Would it be well to appeal to the TV stations to cease from reporting negatively and falsely when discussing items relating to the Mormon Church?

Dear Gramps,
I was watching the Today Show this morning when a segment with William Cohen and his wife Janet came on. During the course of the interview, she made ignorant and erroneous statements about the doctrine of Mormon Church regarding members of African descent. I know that we are not to have a contentious spirit or argue over such things, however would it be appropriate to ask for the truth to be given equal air-time? I am deeply worried about the false press that is given to the gospel. Sincerely,

Nina

Dear Nina,

The public communications media have an avowed responsibility to be objective and accurate in their reporting and portrayals. However, they are all comprised of people who have their own points of view and their own opinions of what is true, and of what the public wants, and what is good for business. The concept of what is good for business looms large among the various aspects of their decision making.

While we should not have a contentious spirit, we also have a responsibility to protect the Church and to promote the truth. In my opinion it would be perfectly in order to inform the offending TV shows of their offense, to appeal to them for rectification, and to assure them that unless such unfair, inaccurate presentations are stopped that you and your friends, colleagues, and acquaintances will boycott their station.

Gramps