[Editor's Note: Welcome to Sojourner's Truth and Civility Election Watch Honor Roll. This post is part of a series of submissions from our constituents that highlight organizations and individuals engaging in positive, honest discourse.]
Honor Roll Nominee: Local News Station, KION
Nominated by: Mary Sue Babb
During this year's election season Santa Cruz's local news station KION Central Coast News, a subsidiary of CBS, has issued an open invitation to local candidates to come to the studio and promote their campaigns for election. Each candidate can create a one-minute spot to introduce themselves, explain why they are running for office and share their qualifications and viewpoints. The only condition for the free news coverage was that they could not say anything negative about their opponents. About 75 candidates, ranging from city council members to those running for re-election in Congress, have come into the station to record their statements so far. A different candidate video is played on each newscast, and then archived on KION's web site.
This effort has been the most refreshing approach to local elections I have ever seen. This is a testament to the integrity of KION Central Coast News. As witnessed in much of the media, coverage of controversy often trumps an honest conversation about policy and issues.
Mary Sue Babb lives in Santa Cruz, California where she serves as the Coordinator for Youth Ministry at Holy Cross Catholic Church.
Congratulations to the local news station, KION! We ask that you continue to lift up these stories and feel free to send them our way. Email your example to sojourners@sojo.net, ATTN: Truth and Civility Watch.
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