LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: O.J. SIMPSON TV COVERAGE REFLECTS POORLY ON AMERICAN PRIORITIES

Dear Editor:

I would like to comment on a recent example of misplaced priorities and a disturbing trend toward network news broadcasts becoming entertainment.

On July 6, 1994, six people lost their lives in Georgia due to severe flash flooding. The lead story that day on the CBS Evening News was: O. J. Simpson. It went on for over ten minutes before any mention was made of the disaster in Georgia.

The very next day, thirteen firefighters lost their lives in Colorado in one of the worst fire related tragedies in recent years. What was the lead story on the CBS Evening News that night? Again, you guessed it: O. J. Simpson.

I realize there is a lot of public interest in that story. But really, surely the legal problems of one celebrity does not take precedence over the tragic loss of life and untold misery caused by floods and fires?

There are enough tabloid TV shows on the air without network news organizations joining their ranks. It's sad, but I guess the bottom line is money. It's even more sad that they respond by telling us they're only giving us what the public wants. Let's get our priorities straight!"

BOB RATLIFF

Cape Girardeau