Write FOX 10 to Protest Dad-Bashing Report
In one of the most biased news reports I’ve ever seen, Phoenix KSAZ FOX 10 beat up on so-called “deadbeat dads” in its recent piece Deputies Round Up Deadbeat Dads. In it, Rochelle Black, the mother of a 3-year-old girl, blasts her husband as a deadbeat, holding the picture of their daughter up to the man’s face. When her ex-husband, in handcuffs, begins to respond “you won’t let me see her,” FOX abruptly cuts away from him. Later, she claims poverty and he accuses her of lying before he is again cut off.
If this father is going to be humiliated on a major TV station, he should at least be able to speak and give his side. We’re asking Fathers & Families supporters to email Andrew Hasbun, the segment’s reporter, and Linda Williams, the anchor at the time by filling out the form below.
Best Wishes,
Glenn Sacks, MA
Executive Director
Fathers & Families
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Dear Mr. Hasbun and Ms. Williams:
KSAZ FOX 10 is right to be concerned over parents who do not meet their responsibilities to their children. However, we are concerned over the way your recent piece Deputies Round Up Deadbeat Dads misunderstands the "deadbeat parent" issue. Research clearly shows that most so-called "deadbeats" don't pay because they are unable to do so. The recession has made this even more dramatically true. Yet there was no hint of balance in the piece--not one word to contradict the "deadbeat dad" stereotype being pushed. For example, Rochelle Black, the mother of a 3-year-old girl, blasts her husband as a deadbeat, holding the picture of their daughter up to the man's face. When her ex-husband, in handcuffs, begins to respond "you won't let me see her," FOX 10 abruptly cuts away from him. Access and visitation denial is a major problem for divorced fathers--why did FOX 10 not allow us to hear what he had to say for himself? If this father is going to be humiliated on a major TV station, he should at least be able to speak and give his side. Fathers & Families would like KSAZ FOX 10 to air the other side of the child support issue. If you would like our perspective, we suggest you contact Fathers & Families Board Member Elizabeth Barton, PhD at 800-439-4805 or ebarton@uci.edu. Together with you in the love of our children, Your NameOccupation Phone number |
