Letter to the Editor: (Former) WGEM reporter didn’t misspeak when talking about downstate Illinois

Mike Miletich says he is no longer employed by WGEM

First…the letter to the editor…

To WGEM Vice-President and General Manager Ben Van Ness:

Reporter Mike Miletich did not misspeak about the citizens of the United States of America when he said, “… We are in downstate Illinois (true) where they ‘hate’ the media.”

He may have used an incorrect word in “hate,” but many of the citizens of the United States of America mistrust main stream media. Many of the smaller members of the media still have a connection with common sense, and most of us understand what he meant.

Please take this into consideration in any action taken against Mike Miletich.

Thank you for considering my opinion.

P.S. The citizens of the United States of America also mistrust politicians.

Joe Darnell
Quincy, Illinois

EDITOR’S NOTE: The story to which Darnell is referencing was a report by Miletich about a lawsuit filed by Thomas DeVore against the Illinois assault weapon ban. Ben Van Ness, vice president and general manager of WGEM, made a statement after Miletich’s report aired on Thursday, saying, “We owe you an apology.”

From the Illinois Broadcasters Association:

Mike Miletich, State Capitol Bureau Chief for Gray TV’s Illinois TV stations says he is no longer employed by WGEM or other Gray Stations.

Miletich says he is not allowed to talk about the situation.
He is also President of the Illinois News Broadcasters Association.