by the Grand Rapids Institute for Information Democracy
On March 1 through 4, 2004 WZZM 13 News did a four part series titled "Michigan to Mexico." The stated purpose of the stories was to look at life in Juarez Mexico, the city to which many West Michigan companies have relocated. The four stories were by News 13 reporter Chris Tye who spent three days in Juarez. Each segment averaged about 5 minutes in length.
Unfortunately, the "Michigan to Mexico" segments were rather superficial and lacking in context. The pieces tended to over-personalize the issue of job flight while giving little explanatory data. The concerns and condition of the Mexican maquila workers are presented in contradictory fashion, portraying them as both grateful and discontented at the same time. The reporter interviews several Mexican workers as well as going into their homes to illustrate the poverty of their condition. The entire fourth segment consists of the reporter interviewing a young woman who has lived in both Juarez and El Paso. She characterizes life in Juarez by saying "This is the way it is for Mexicans, you have to work, you can't dream, it's not like in America, it's completely different." Another Mexican who is interviewed says in response to a question about his living condition says "It's not great, but you get used to it." Yet in the conclusion of the segment, the reporter states "you'll be surprised how far they (the maquila workers) can stretch $10 a day and how happy they are to make even that." The only Mexican interviewed who seems to be "happy" with the wages offered by the maquila is an older woman. In response to a question about the workers in Greenville Michigan, she states "There are a lot of people here who want to work and a lot of people here who want to see more maquilas come, so I don't feel sorry for them (the Greenville workers)." A close examination of the video clip reveals that the woman's quote in Spanish is considerably shorter than the English translation, which casts doubt as to whether she really said what was reported.
Throughout the series, the Mexicans interviewed are workers or residents who are asked questions focusing on their personal situation. For contextual information that explains the larger situation, the reporter relies exclusively on American "expert" voices. In particular the reporter relies on the comments of Dr. John Amastae from the University of Texas El Paso. His comments are the only ones used when questions such as the effects of NAFTA or working conditions inside the maquilas are raised. Dr. Amastae speaks in favor of NAFTA and the maquilas. In regards to the maquelas, he states "I think they provide opportunity in the Mexican context, because Mexico, like most developing countries is going through some wrenching economic and social changes." An appropriate follow-up question to this comment might be to ask what are the factors that are causing these "wrenching" economic and social changes, and how do they relate to trade policies such as NAFTA. No Mexican voices are presented to provide an alternate viewpoint to Dr. Amastae's comments.
On the question of what working conditions are like inside a maquila, the reporter relies on the viewpoints of Dr. Amastae again as well as an American plant manager. Instead of talking about what working conditions are like, Dr. Amastae says "One thing you are not going to see is a 19th century sweatshop. That's because it doesn't exist." Again, no other viewpoints are heard. At this point in the story, it would seem reasonable to interview a Mexican maquila worker or union organizer. In fact, at no point in any of the segments is the issue of labor unions brought up. One would think that in a story about workers' conditions, the union perspective would be relevant. Unfortunately, labor union voices are absent throughout the series.
Another issue that is central to the topic of maquilas and job flight is the role of international trade agreements such as NAFTA. This topic is barely touched upon and is basically brushed aside with another quote from Dr. Amastae. "NAFTA ratified what was already happening and greased the wheels to make it happen more quickly" Dr. Amastae says. Again, no other voices are provided. This is in spite of the fact that numerous labor unions, human rights groups, environmental organizations, and other non-governmental organizations have taken public stands in opposition to trade policies like NAFTA. Information critical of NAFTA is easily obtainable from groups such as America's Program, Maquiladora Health and Safety Support Network, or Mexican Free Trade Action Network.
Other than Dr. Amastae, the only other voices offering any sort of contextual data are an unidentified white male and Michigan governor Jennifer Granholm. The unnamed white male "expert" explains job loss in West Michigan by blaming not trade policy or corporate profit seeking, but rather the consumers. "Competition dictates what industry has to do and that is ultimately born by the consumer, who makes the purchase decision" says the mystery "expert." Governor Granholm frames the issue as one of Michigan workers versus Mexican workers, "it is a ruthless game of global competition we are in, and as it stands right now we are giving points to the other team." The reporter follows this quote by noting "points that create opportunity, a future and a reason to pray."
An honest report might argue that low paying jobs with limited benefits, no unions, and very limited safety and environmental standards create more opportunity for American corporations than it does for Mexican workers. The fact that the series does not focus on the trade policies and those who benefited from them - investors and corporations - is the major flaw of the series. By framing the story on a few Mexican workers rather than providing a substantive discussion of NAFTA, these reports do nothing to inform viewers as to why jobs from Michigan are going to Mexico. Nor do these segments provide any outlet for the viewer to do anything other than throw their arms up and say, "there is nothing I can do."
If you would like to voice your displeasure with WZZM and their "Michigan to Mexico" series, you can contact the news department at news@wzzm13.com or reporter Chris Tye at christye@wzzm13.com. For any questions about this media alert contact the Grand Rapids Institute for Information Democracy.
