Well I guess that shows what apologies are worth... [View all]

As usual, I was watching The Jason Show, a local morning talk show on KMSP 9. It is typical morning silliness, light banter with whatever newsworthy, or not so newsworthy, interview they can get.

This morning he had a live interview with Stephanie Soechtig, writer, producer, and director of Under the Gun; the film that has the now infamous creative editing of an interview with VCDL members. Ms. Soechtig has addressed the long pause added in the film thusly:

“There are a wide range of views expressed in the film. My intention was to provide a pause for the viewer to have a moment to consider this important question before presenting the facts on Americans’ opinions on background checks. I never intended to make anyone look bad and I apologize if anyone felt that way.”

Jason asked her to comment on the issue on the show. I must paraphrase,as I was not recording (I didn't even know that he was interviewing her until the segment began) but her reply was :

First know that the Virginia Citizen's Defense League is an extreme fringe group. This is a controversial subject and I believe they had ample opportunity to express their opinion. Frankly we expected attacks from the time we started this project. This is just typical gun lobby tactics...

pretty much the complete opposite of what she has said in other statements.

Her editing of the interview has been called journalistic malpractice by other groups such as Columbia University School of Journalism, National Public Radio and the Washington Post.

Ironically, the subtitle for Under the Gun is In the Gun Debate, Truth is the Ultimate Weapon; yet the first principle abandoned was the truth.