Statement from KTNA General Manager Will Peterson

KTNA is doing well in posting news stories on our web page, www.ktna.org  as well as posting notices regarding those stories on our Facebook page.

Our technology allows anyone with a computer to submit comments regarding those stories.  KTNA appreciates those comments…for the most part.  The recent string of news pieces regarding the Sunshine Community Health Clinic has obviously caught the attention of the community.  Clearly this is an emotional and controversial topic in our community.  We have had many comments submitted that relate to the news and the issues of the clinic.  We have posted all of those comments but I feel that some filtering is now necessary.

Effective immediately, KTNA will no longer publish submitted comments that do not have a real name attached.  Pseudonyms will no longer be allowed.

Public radio in general and KTNA in particular has values that I am proud of and have kept me in this business for a long time.  Respect, honesty, truthfulness, accuracy, and professionalism are the cornerstones of our public service.  KTNA encourages civil discourse that is, if nothing else, respectful and honest.  Public radio has shown, in many, many instances that we can disagree yet still be respectful.

Name-calling, innuendo, and rumors contribute nothing to a respectful and honest conversation.  Using a pseudonym makes it much easier to slide into a quagmire that distracts all of us from the issue at hand.

Some of the comments we’ve received, and published, reflect poorly on our community…and reflect poorly on KTNA.  If you have a need to comment, expressing your thoughts and your opinions, put your name next to it.  Please be respectful, honest, and truthful.  People do read this stuff.

Thanks for listening.
Will Peterson
General Manager, KTNA