WBFS-33, UPN (TV Station)

WBFS-33 is a Miama, Florida-based television station and a part of the UPN network.

Station Owner
Viacom

Use of Video News Releases and/or Satellite Media Tours
In the 8am news bulletin on March 20, 2006 the station broadcast an uncut but revoiced version of a video news release (VNR) produced by D S Simon Productions to promote the management consulting firm Towers Perrin as a leading expert in workforce efficiency. The re-voiced script was identical word for word to the original VNR. 

Response to Report
On April 6, 2006, NPR's Morning Edition reported on WBFS-33's VNR usage:
 * "We have a policy not to do that," says Shannon High-Bassalik, vice president for news at WBFS and WFOR-TV in Miami. "So you just got somebody in trouble. I’m glad to hear that, because that’s not something we do."


 * Bassalik says her stations use video news releases sparingly -- for stock footage in medical stories, for example.


 * "We don’t really like using VNRs, frankly," says High-Bassalik. "In our mind, they can be tainted. Just knowing that some company had put this together taints it." ...


 * High-Bassalik of WBFS says (VNR production firm D S) Simon's disclosure did appear -- briefly -- in the Towers Perrin video release, but escaped a producer's eye.

Contact Details
WBFS-33 UPN Miami, FL Phone: 305-639-4400 Fax: 305-629-4403 General Manager: Michael Colleran Email: mcolleran@wfor.cbs.com Web: http://www.upn33.com/

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