On Tuesday, September 17, 2013 the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill sponsored by U.S. Representative Trent Franks that would prohibit new casinos (including the proposed Tohono O’odham casino in Glendale) in the Phoenix Metro area until 2027. This is Franks’ second bill on the issue as the first was never taken up for a vote in the Senate. Word is that this time around there is support in the Senate for such an effort. Many thanks to Representative Franks for his continued effort to stem the Tohono O’odham’s ambitions.

This story is barely a blip on the radar screen of news coverage of the Arizona Republic for September 18, 2013 where it made maybe 2 inches of copy (less than 100 words) on page 3 of the Valley and State section. In other words, they buried it. Could it be because it doesn’t fit their agenda of support for the proposed casino? Yet the Arizona Daily Star gave the same subject far more coverage (over 500 words).

As long as the subject is, in part, media bias, take a look at the one-eighty the Republic has done on Coyotes’ coverage. During the 4 year saga of uncertainty about the team’s ownership it was hard pressed to say anything positive about the situation or the team. The only reporter that is to be commended for offering justice in Coyotes’ coverage is Sarah McLellan. Now that ownership is finalized and buying advertising space in the Republic the reporting of the team has gotten more space and become more positive. It’s the almighty dollar at work.

And what’s with the team owner’s choice of KTAR as its radio partner? This station is home to Dan Bickley whose coverage of the Coyotes was oft times less than positive. The reason given for choosing KTAR was its wide audience yet its ratings are virtually identical to many other Valley radio stations including NBC Sports Radio. Why wasn’t a station like NBC Sports Radio chosen?  One of their premier shows is the Roc and Manuch Show. Roc and Manuch have a demonstrated track record of support for the Coyotes. When everyone else doubted they carried the torch for the Coyotes. One would think you would support the one who brought you to the dance but this choice is probably ruled by money as well.

©Joyce Clark, 2013

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