Viewers react to Swine Flu coverage

Our extensive coverage of the Swine Flu caused concern for several viewers for different reasons.

First, Richard Herring from Bent Mountain wrote, “The use of ‘deadly’ when referring to the H1N1 virus is overblown and contributes to panic. In fact, this is a mild form of the flu, and should have been reported as such.“

WSLS responds: Richard, you’re right. We now know that the Swine Flu is not as dangerous as first feared. But, that doesn’t negate the fact that hundreds have died from the virus including two people in the United States. And, our coverage has followed closely what local, state, and federal official have put out, including reporting most recently that the Swine Flu appears to be no more dangerous than seasonal flu.

Another viewer was more concerned about what we called the virus. Janet Motley of Rural Retreat wrote, “Please stop referring to the latest H1N1 influenza epidemic as the ‘Swine Flu.’  According to agricultural news sources and the Associated Press, it did not originate in swine and until yesterday, had not been detected in any swine herd. The connotation of ‘Swine Flu’ is damaging to the pork producers. Ignorance of the science involved has done irreparable damage to that industry and will drive the final nail in the coffin of producers that are blameless. Your viewers deserve an explanation that their food supply is safe from this ‘epidemic.’ Bacon never gave anyone the flu.“

WSLS responds: Janet, you’re also correct. Eating pork products did not give anyone this virus which we were careful to report. But, this strain of the flu is directly related to swine. We have continued to call it “Swine Flu instead of the more scientific name of “H1N1” because Swine Flu is more recognizable and easily understood. NBC News made the same decision.

Finally, another viewer was fed up with a programming call. Jennifer Grover wrote, “You were supposed to be running the Rolex Kentucky 3-Day event at 5pm today. We only get one wee hour per year of our sport. We cancel absolutely everything in order to watch it. ‘We’ refers to many local horse people, especially those of us who call ‘eventing’ our passion and vocation. You ran HOCKEY for God’s sake, instead. Aaaaaarrrrrgggghhh!!!!  We are very, very upset. If this was NBC’s decision, PLEASE let them know that your viewers were NOT PLEASED.“

WSLS responds: Jennifer, it was NBC’s call. Not ours. However, we did some checking and the event you are concerned about will air on May 16th at 3:30pm.