Viewer’s Voice for January 16th

By Matt Dooley
Production Coordinator
Published: January 23, 2008

Viewer’s Voice for Janyary 16, 2008
More thoughts on cows, zeros and some young viewers.

A Viewer last week called us “hicks” because of our report on a cow born with a VT logo on it head.  This viewer came to our defense, writing:

(e-mail)
... it’s understandable that WSLS covers stories about VT. ... While Virginia Tech has been in the news a lot recently with the events of April 16th and this football season, it makes sense that VT stories are being aired. ...
It was rude and inconsiderate to call VT fans and WSLS’ viewers hicks just because they got excited about a cow with a VT logo on the head. ... If my liking this VT cow story makes me a hick because it is a much more light-hearted and cheerful story than those related to April 16, then so be it. WSLS, thanks for the smiles.
Kara James
No address

Someone on the staff is a real “zero” if only he could say it, according to this viewer.

(e-mail)
I am sick and tired of your news anchor John Carlin, with the improper use of the difference between the number ZERO and the letter O.  He spouts off phone numbers all the time during your broadcasts saying “O”.  “O” is NOT a number.  ... A phone NUMBER contains a ZERO.  ...  A professional should get it right.
Kenneth H
no address

John Carlin Responds:  Thanks for the e-mail.  I’ve actually received this comment a few times over the years.  I try to use “O” and zero interchangably and to avoid repetition.  Since you mention professionalism, let me just say that my job is to use everyday English that is conversational and easily understood.  If I thought viewers were confused by my use of these terms, I would change my practice.