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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Brussels Post, 1979-12-12, Page 144tb Go ahead. Take your car to the city and fill 'ertup with packages. But remember: you'll also be filling it up with gasoline .. • maybe even t‘.A,ce for one trip. Add THAT to the cost of the presents you buy! Plus consider this: they may cost more to begin with. Shop at home and bank at home saves time. Saves wear and tear. Saves money. And you'll find just as large a selection of merchandise right here in Brussels Go ahead. Fill 'er up. At HOME! sirtiestaske sse s Post .08ITA1110, jfks 111601k. a THE BERG SILO UNLOADER CHECK THESE FEATURES: — three point suspension for blow in and feed out, the same day convenience — No leveling or waiting for silo to settle — Spring loaded auger always cut clean on edge of silo — Power ring drive always level, always positive. —.26" Blade Blower handles bulky haylage easily with low RPM, for less bearing problems and high output - Heavier than competition auger for longer lasting durability. Couple this with a REASONABLE PRICE and you have an unbeatable combination. Write or phone for free estimates an your particular needs JAMESWAY PARTS AVAILABLE KEITH SIEMON Plumbing Farm Equipment R.R. #4, Walton, Ontario 345-2734 su!Lo. tVapyr.miNo 14 — THE BRUSSELS POST, DECEMBER 12, 1979 Media doing "lousy FofA hears BY RHEA HAMILTON Farmers learned Thdrsday night just how much the medit influences the public's perception of agriculture and just what they can do about it. A panel discussion with members of the media discussed the 'lousy job' that the media is giving agriculture and from questions the audience posed they seemed determined to do something about improving that image. Panel members included Bob Trotter, farm columnist who writes One Foot in the Furrow, Keith Roulston, award winner of the Huron Farm award and past editor of the Blyth Standard and Henry Hess, news editor of the Wingham Advance Times. Each member of the panel spoke to Huron County Federation members answering the question "Does the media influence the public's perception of agriculture?" Mr. Trotter was outspoken in his condemnation of the media and pointed out that the national dailies, The Toronto Star and the Globe and Mail don't even have a farm editor or reporter. As an example of poor media work he recalled a recent news story concerning rising beef prices and he was elated to see an agricultural story on the air. Although the news story concerned beef cattle the animals shown were dairy. Mr, Trotter also pointed out the exposure that rotten eggs got some time ago was front page news. When the facts came out that it was only a one day supply of eggs that was .destroyed the news item was placed far .back in the paper. "Farmers do a good job," said Mr. Trotter. "Who else in the economic sector can boast of a 450% increase in product- ivity. And yet the Globe can print an editorial and. say that agricultural production is notoriously low and give no facts to back that statement up," Mr. Trotter stated. Mr. Roulston backed up Mr. Trotter's statements adding that there is a growing isolation between the urban and rural communities. He recalled reporting at an OFA convention where the reporters from the large dailies played up minor human interest stories and ignored the hard, news. "Farming is not a glamorous job and neither is reporting it, Mr. Roulston said. "Reporters want to be media stars like Woodward and Bernstein, and you don't get that reporting farm news or working N7veeklies," Mr. Hess from the Wingham Advance Times took a somewhat different angle and although he wanted to remain optomistic he pointed out that the role of the media is to report and explain in context so as to help people understand,, "Clearly the media has a vital role in getting the message out," he said. "The most influential reporters. are urban and consumer oriented and have to have the desire to seek out the truth." "Farmers have a right to be heard and should insist on having their side heard," he pointed out. "Here in. Huron. County we have excellent access to farm news but due to•lack of help and limited space in the newspaper there is a limit to what can be done." Mr. Hess encouraged members to contact the paper if they feel there is not enough information or if there are inaccuracies. In questions from the floor Tony McQuail wondered if there was anything that the farmers should be doing to help reporters understand their problems. Mr. Trotter pointed out that reporters should be taught to ask more questions and that farmers could be a little more tolerant. Mr. McQuail also suggested that a vocab- ulary on important issues be sent to papers. This, would make it simpler to understand. It was suggested that' maybe a short course between the Federation and the new reporters would'help but Mr. Hess pointed out that because of the migratory nature of (Continued on Page 201 Morley new warden Bill Morley, reeve of Usborne Township, was elected Huron County warden at the county council meeting on Tuesday. Mr. Morley defeated Eileen Palmer, Goderich reeve and Ervin Sillery, Tuckersmith Township reeve in the bid for the Warden's seat. Walton meeting (Continued from Page 1) know if changes could be made on that motion. "A library takes'up quite an area. When you're doing it you should make sure you have enough room because the library is going to take up a fair chunk of room," Mr. Campbell said. "When you only pay for $15 a month for this hall (the Walton Community Hall) what do you need a two storey building for?" one woman asked. Finally. after a few moments more of discussion.; at a suggestion from Grey Township Reeve Roy Williamson it was decided to get more estimated costs for larger buildings and then hold another meeting to decide which type of building to get. Also at the meeting, the new executive was put in by acclamation. The new executive members are: Lynn Steffler, Graeme Craig, George Love and Joanne McDonald.