www.chinaview.cn 2007-03-14 12:35:59
By Li Bo
NEW YORK, March 13 (Xinhua) -- CW11 news station in New York City has shunned questions about whether there has been an internal investigation into its TV broadcasts alleging that mouse meat had been found in a takeout order from a Brooklyn Chinese restaurant, according to the local source.
Albert Wang, a Chinese-American attorney, told Xinhua Tuesday that he had sent several emails to CW11's management, asking repeatedly the same question, but only got a reply from CW11 General Manager Betty Ellen Berlamino, saying "we do not discuss internal employment matters outside the company."
"They even do not answer yes or no," said Wang, who was a member of an earlier negotiation team on behalf of the Chinese-American side with CW11.
On Tuesday, Wang sent a certified mail to Dennis J. Fitzsimons, CEO of Tribune Company, the holder of CW11, with the same question.
"Fortune 500 companies such as Tribune Company should be socially responsible, and should address the needs and concerns of their various stakeholders, groups that have a stake in or are impacted by a company's activities," Wang wrote in his letter to Fitzsimons.
According to Tribune Company's code of business conduct displayed on its website, it is intended to help ensure compliance with the highest legal and ethical standards.
The company also holds the "always ask first, act later" principle. Under the company's code of business conduct, "if you are unsure of what to do in any situation, seek guidance before you act."
In the letter, Wang urged the Tribune Company to promptly conduct an internal investigation into reporter Chris Glorioso's conduct in accordance with the company's code of business conduct and show itself to be a socially responsible media organization.
On Jan. 29, CW11 aired a news story by Chris Glorioso about the New Food King restaurant in Brooklyn, alleging that it had served mouse meat in a takeout meal box to Brooklyn's Deisha Dodd, before having the food professionally tested.
CW11 anchor Kaity Tong broadcast the story with laughter in the background. The report included statements such as "disgusting find," "sickening surprise," "nasty dining experience," and "rodent slathered in garlic sauce." Deisha Dodd said in the footage "I will never eat Chinese food again."
A Jan. 31 follow-up report included statements by a "professional food inspector" who supposedly tested the meat to prove the station's allegations.
CW11 is the flagship station of the CW Television Network, andis seen in over 10 million homes through over-the-air and satellite distribution in New York City, the State of New York, and areas of the States of New Jersey and Connecticut.
"Since CW11 has such a large coverage, its reports should be more careful," Wang told Xinhua. "Tribune Company's code of business conduct should not be window-dressing, it should be implemented by all its employees."
Chinese immigrants have staged two peaceful mass protests in front of the CW11 office in mid-town Manhattan against the reports, demanding an apology and compensation.
The owners of New Food King restaurant have filed a lawsuit against CW11, its parent company, the Tribune Company, reporter Chris Glorioso, and anchor Kaity Tong. The suit charges defamation and slander, and asks for 2 million dollars in damages and legal costs.
Attorney John Yong, who is representing the restaurant in the suit, told the media that since CW11 aired its first story the restaurant has received dozens of racist phone calls from people ordering mouse meat and telling the owners to "go back to China."
"The Chinese community in the United States used to be a silent minority, but this time it is out shouting," said Mr Du, a member of the U.S.-China Lawyers Society.
CW11, in a statement released on Feb. 26, said, "CW11 stands behind the accuracy of our news report, and believes the story provides no basis for legitimate controversy."
"This was a story that addressed a matter of public health and falls within the context of many recent reports about tainted and adulterated food," it said, adding, "there was absolutely no bias, no prejudice or malice intended toward any nationality."
But many Chinese restaurant owners in the United States told Xinhua their business had been affected by the reports.
The Chinese community organizations are mulling a third demonstration on April 2.
Editor: Wang Yan
_:mad: _:'( _(u) _(a) _:o _(6) _:$ null
