In an era where social media often serves as a "town without a sheriff," NBC Palm Springs dedicated a recent segment to fact-checking comments made online, aiming to set the record straight on local discussions.
The first fact-check revolved around a story concerning the expansion of Palm Springs Airport. A viewer commented on social media, expressing concerns about increased nuisance to nearby neighborhoods. In response, a reporter drew a parallel to their own residence in Toluca Lake, Los Angeles, stating its proximity to Hollywood Burbank Airport. This drew a sharp online retort from a Facebook user named "Bobby," who claimed, "The Burbank Airport is located in the city of Burbank. Toluca Lake is a neighborhood in the city of Los Angeles. The neighborhoods don't even touch."
The reporter, who lives in Toluca Lake, countered this, asserting the factual basis of their statement. Another commenter, "Doug," corroborated, noting, "Toluca Lake is 3.6 miles from Hollywood Burbank Airport, close enough to hear aircraft noise." The reporter further clarified that Toluca Lake does indeed touch Burbank, as well as North Hollywood, directly refuting Bobby's claim from personal experience. Bobby later admitted he hadn't watched the video but was reacting to a "written article which in fact was incorrect." The segment concluded this point by highlighting the importance of watching the full context before commenting and questioning the relevance of such an aggressive critique. The overall message regarding the Palm Springs Airport remains: it will expand, and it won't be moved.
The second fact-check tackled a more serious accusation regarding the integrity of local news. Following a segment where News Director David Reese discussed survey findings on why people trust local news more than network news, emphasizing the unique role of local storytelling, a user named "Joe" commented, "You guys are doing comedy now. Many, if not all, of your reporting has been towing the line from corporate. I used to think local news was safe, but I was proven wrong."
The station's response to Joe's comment was direct and unequivocal, calling it "the most misinformed comment I have seen since being here." The reporter challenged Joe to "produce the book from corporate on what we're supposed to cover, and the line we're supposed to toe," and to "give me the name of the person from corporate that dictates coverage." The segment clarified that Entravision owns the station, and while it primarily operates Spanish-language radio and TV stations, NBC Palm Springs is one of only two English-language stations in their chain. The direct question was posed: "So what agenda do they have, and what is it they're dictating?" The definitive answer provided was: "None and nothing. And those are the facts."
This fact-check segment underscored the challenges media outlets face in the digital age, particularly when dealing with unsubstantiated claims on social media. It reinforced the station's commitment to local, independent journalism, asserting its role in providing unique community-focused content not available through national channels.
By: Fred Roggin
June 11, 2025
