Analysis:
This story is typical for what we have documented over the years when it comes to local elections. It is very short (17 seconds), doesnt provide information about the candidates, and in this case misleads voters. The news reader says The winners move on to the November 8 general election. This is not necessarily true. If one candidate in each race wins 51% or more of the vote they automatically win. If there is no majority winner, then the run off will be between the 2 highest vote getters in the November 8 election. Lastly, channel 13 also says A link to learn more about the candidates is available on our website. If you go to their link, it just takes you to the County Clerks website and that just lists who is on the ballot and their mailing address. It should also be mentioned that on the same newscast (6pm) channel 13 ran a 4 minute and 20 second piece about spray on tan products.
Story:
WZZM 13 News reader - In the August Election Grand Rapids voters will decide who should be on the City Commission. Five people are running in the First Ward, three in the Second, and three people in the Third Ward. The winners move on to the November 8 general election. A link to learn more about the candidates is available on our website wzzm13.com.
Total time: 17 seconds
