WSYR-9, ABC (TV Station)

WSYR-9 is a Syracuse, New York television station and an affiliate of the ABC television network.

Station Owner
Clear Channel

Use of Video News Releases and/or Satellite Media Tours
In the 5.30pm news bulletin on December 26, 2005 the station broadcast a re-edited and re-voiced video news release produced by D S Simon Productions for the Bioibérica on supplements available for the treatment of arthritis. The station failed to do even basic research as the VNR portrayed a joint pain treatment as being far more effective than a major study had found. 

In the 5.30pm news bulletin on December 12, 2005 the station broadcast an edited and re-voiced video news release (VNR) produced by MultiVu for Stiefel Laboratories promoting a new eczema treatment, MimyX cream. The station edited out the contra-indication information included in the original VNR which stated that it should not be used by people with "hypersensitivity to any of the components of the formulation." 

Response to Report
The Syracuse Post-Standard reported that, following, the Center for Media and Democracy's report, "Channel 9 news director Jim Tortora issued a written statement Monday that the station's 'policy has been and continues to be that we do not run VNRs (video news releases) and a mistake was made here.' However, he said he couldn't confirm whether the station aired the skin cream VNR." 

Following the FCC's launching an investigation into unsourced VNRs in August 2006, the Syracuse Post-Standard reported, "The Syracuse ABC affiliate confirmed Wednesday that it's one of the 77 stations mailed a letter of inquiry last week by the FCC, requesting information." The news article continued:


 * Theresa Underwood, general manager at Channel 9, said station management was reviewing the FCC letter "and working on a response."


 * In the meantime, she said, the station has emphasized to employees Channel 9's long-standing policy not to use VNRs in news programming.


 * "Our policy was not followed. We have taken steps to ensure it doesn't happen again," Underwood said.

Contact Details
NewsChannel 9 WSYR 5904 Bridge Street East Syracuse, NY 13057 Phone: (315) 446-9999 Phone (News): (315) 446-3333 Fax (News): (315) 446-9283 Web: http://www.9wsyr.com/default.aspx

SourceWatch Resources

 * Audio news releases
 * B-Roll
 * Brand Hype
 * Branded Entertainment
 * Media releases
 * Satellite Media Tours
 * Radio Media Tours
 * Public Service Announcements
 * Video news releases: PR for California's Schwarzenegger administration