Recent coverage in The Salt Lake Tribune revealed that Sinclair Broadcasting (owner of KUTV News) requires anchors, at times, to read corporate scripts. I am deeply concerned about these scripted partisan messages.

Local news has traditionally been non-partisan reporting that features real journalism. The latest message stated other stations are producing “Fake News” and was very non-specific and included no details or proof to support these claims. This is irresponsible reporting and I find it repugnant. In the past I have always trusted the Salt Lake City local KUTV anchors, now I see them as puppets spewing propaganda. This is going to destroy our democracy faster than anything.

We need real reporting, honest journalism, and not conglomerate broadcasting that promotes partisan messages akin to a dictatorship with state TV. I see it as imperative that our local news be transparent and indicate to the viewers when pre-scripted stories or editorials are being aired. Identify these as the views of Sinclair Broadcasting. Don’t pass off these stories and opinions as the views of Shauna Lake and Mark Koelbel.

Margery Beaudin, Saratoga Springs