So apparently KTLA Morning News barred Shannon Keith’s friendly rescue Pit Bull, Franklyn, from coming onto their show yesterday morning for a segment promoting adoption. Even though it was cleared prior, once they arrived the producer insisted that Franklyn couldn’t come inside due to their “anti-Pit Bull policy.” Franklyn’s foster lived over an hour away and arrived early for the show. As the producer looked at Franklyn he was actually busy licking someone’s face. Shannon, who’s an attorney, then informed this person that that was against the law and they still wouldn’t change their stance. Nice. Not only that, but they then made them wait outside for 30 minutes in the freezing cold while the producers went inside to discuss this further amongst themselves. So kind. The producers still expected the other dogs to go on the air but were adamant that Franklyn could not. Ha. Shannon left, opting not to support a show that negatively discriminates.
Per Shannon’s Facebook page…
California Food & Ag code Section 31683 states, in relevant part: “Except as provided in Section 122331 of the Health and Safety Code, no program regulating any dog shall be specific as to breed.”
Since Shannon posted publicly what actually occurred the KTLA Morning News Facebook page has been taken offline. Prior to taking their page down they had received thousands of complaints on their main wall. They first attempted to delete each Pit Bull-related comment, but have now just given up and pulled their page completely. It will likely be back very soon, once they deem enough time has passed that most people will have forgot. So the question should be asked: If they are so proud of their policy then why are they afraid of the general public actually finding out that this happened?
If you want to let them know how you feel in regards to their decision then please do so… You can still reach them on Twitter @KTLAMorningNews or you can email their producers directly at nancy.cruz@ktla.com, sarah.grooters@ktla.com. To send the Morning News program an email through their website, click here. The Morning News fax number is 323-460-5404. To reach KTLA’s main office call 323-460-5500. There’s also the option of leaving comments on their main station Facebook page. If they want to keep deleting everything instead of addressing it or admitting it then at least make them work at it. KTLA’s mailing address is 5800 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028.
MOST IMPORTANTLY: To reach VP/General Manager (and Nancy & Sarah’s boss), Don Corsini, call 323-460-5555. Be both polite and professional. Let him know that his producers, Nancy Cruz and Sarah Grooters, were both unreasonable and discriminatory in nature by denying Franklyn’s participation in the adoption segment. Also ask him why KTLA has an official position that implies that Pit Bulls aren’t worthy of rescue or adoption. And finally, remind him that KTLA’s Facebook response of “deleting comments and blocking people” is an example of cowardly and unprofessional publicity management.
