Program Log: The First Five Minutes

On October 30, 2013, the Public Broadcasting Station (PBS) KCTS 9 in Seattle changed their programming schedule to air a one-sided program on genetically engineered (GE) crops called, “Next Meal: Engineering Food.” This program was originally scheduled to air on Wednesday, November 13 at 7:30 PM. The program that was scheduled for last night, “Lake Tahoe: Can We Save It?” was switched just days ago.

Executive Director of Programming, Randy Brinson made the decision to air Next Meal last night instead, despite hundreds of calls and e-mails in protest from the Washington State Grassroots Coalition for Yes on I-522, the initiative to label genetically modified foods (GMOs) in this state. The reason he gave for the switch was that it was “timely.” Indeed. Just in time for the election.

This program looks like the propaganda put forth by the chemical industries who are promoting GMOs. On the program, they trotted out an array of plant biologists, all singing the praises of GE crops and how they are environmentally friendly and are going to feed the world. They presented the industry's favorite public relations crops: Flavr Savr tomato, golden rice, sorghum, and drought-resistant rice. Here's a newsflash: none of those crops exist on the grocery shelves. Not one. There is only one drought-tolerant GE variety on the FDA approval list, and that is corn. (Read More)

Washington state grassroots leaders call for boycott of PBS station KTCS 9

The Washington State Grassroots Coalition for Yes on I-522 are calling on their members and supporters of the Washington state Initiative 522 (label GMOs in food) to cancel their subscriptions to the Public Broadcast Station KTCS 9 and to refuse to donate during their telethons. And tell them why. (Read More)

By Dr. Nancy Swason