I hope that we don’t let this URTV controversy blow it for the only public-communication outlet around. This is metaphorically a tempest in a teapot. There was some language that needed to be changed in the description of board behavior. The commissioners expressed concern, as they should; and I’m sure the board of URTV will change it at next meeting, as they should. End of controversy.
As a member of URTV, I have had the opportunity to be on URTV as a guest, and [I] hope [to be] a producer in the future. The facilities are great, the staff is knowledgeable and helpful and local content is assiduously sought. We have a jewel here, and while we should always promote openness and fairness, don’t let’s pick the nits. It is open. Meetings can be attended by the public. As my granny used to say, “If it ain’t broke, don’t break it.”
I love URTV. Don’t break it.
— Steve Rice
Marshall
I share the writer’s concern for the survival of URTV. This is the principle reason I have followed its path of corruption and will continue to.
However, this letter is an inaccurate and incomplete chronicle of the events leading up to the recent controversies. And the assertion that the problem is solved is also widely off the mark.
I too, share the Steve Rice’s concerns, …the money spent to set up URTV is sizable, and it’s been a huge investment and a great asset for the community.
This “oath” foreshadowed some disturbing issues that have yet come to light…but will eventually.
As my granny says “the truth will out.”
At least URTV is supposed to be our TV, for freedom of expression….no matter what your views. Only inappropriate or obscene material and no cussin’, that’s how it’s described in the management agreement.
http://www.mountainx.com/xpressfiles/urtv_in_asheville_and_buncombe_county
The furor over “secrecy oaths” that would certainly have been used to kick off any board member who ask a hard question or two, that is why this is such a furor. It’s what’s implicated beyond the oath. Those who are supporting URTV but angry at the light being shined on this are missing something. You need to ask yourselves what the h___ is going on here???? Why so much ink being used???? Coercive oaths, not following open meeting laws, secret meetings that are not announced properly, edicts from the Board Chair that no Board Member can make a personel statement to press over “misconstrued” or outright lies & using their names to back up the lie…..doesn’t sound like a 1st amendment /free speech organization to me.
What’s going on under the table over at URTV?
URTV should be a beacon of openness for the rest of the community organizations to follow. What has happened to our little public channel?
“End of controversy. ”
On brief review, I’d say … not. Obvious mgmt problems, guy in charge with really bad people skills, drives people off, tries to control the board so nobody messes with his gig. I get why he’d be nervous, Asheville is growing more and more every day, some talented, more charismatic leader with all the requisite skills is going to show up one of these days. URTV will become a place people want to be, rather than a place where you gotta watch out for the grumpy egomaniac. There was a chance with these recent brouhahas to take the high road, change with the times, be patient and open minded, and instead it sounds completely weird — shutting down dissent, courting a few select board members, kicking people off the board, freaking out if somebody wants to tape a meeting. Wow, paranoid much? I vote that it’s all part of a job protection plan.