How Reliable is WPR, Really?

In October of 2005, WPR's "Here on Earth" broadcast incorrect infomration. I sent the following letter, but never received a reply, and never heard a correction broadcast. I am left wondering, how much do they REALLY care about reporting the truth? I sent them another letter today, so we'll see how quickly they respond this time.

On Thursday, October 6, 2005, you had a guest from Video Volunteers on your show. Near the end of the show, a caller made a comment:

"I had a question in regards to Video Volunteers, in regards to, in the Mormon community, which is very close in this country, and still practices polygamy in the fundamentalist groups... that there is still, like, child brides in the polygamy and I was wondering if there was any, you know --"

Jean: "That's true, that's true, right in our own country. Have you thought about that Jessica?"

Jessica: "Yea, I mean, I absolutely appreciate your drawing the discussion back to the United States in this way..."

The problem here is that it is absolutely NOT TRUE. Mormons, or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints do not practice polygamy. They haven't since 1890. As recently as 1998, Gordon B Hinckley, Prophet and President of the Church said, "I wish to state categorically that this Church has nothing whatever to do with those practicing polygamy. They are not members of this Church. Most of them have never been members. ... If any of our members are found to be practicing plural marriage, they are excommunicated, the most serious penalty the Church can impose."
http://lds.org/newsroom/extra/1,15505,4028-1---3-539,00.html

It is comments like the one that Jean Feraca made (quoted above) that continue to perpetuate the misconception that members of the Church still practice polygamy. In addition to the fact that the Church hasn't had any polygamous marriages since 1890 following an unsuccessful Supreme Court challenge to the laws passed between 1862 and 1887 making polygamy illegal, child brides were NEVER part of what happened. I find it disgusting that anyone would insinuate that such a practice had ever been part of what the Church - and my own ancestors - were doing. I don't appreciate being lumped into this fictitious group that is supposedly willingly participating in statutory rape.

From the Church's Media Room at lds.org:
There is no such thing as a "polygamous" Mormon. Mormon is a common name for a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Church discontinued polygamy more than a century ago. No members of the Church today can enter into polygamy without being excommunicated. Polygamist groups in Utah, Arizona or Texas have nothing whatsoever to do with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

When referring to people or organizations that practice polygamy, terms such as those listed above are incorrect. The Associated Press Stylebook notes: "The term Mormon is not properly applied to the other ... churches that resulted from the split after [Joseph] Smith's death."
http://www.lds.org/newsroom/mistakes/0,15331,3885-1-18719,00.html

There is more information about polygamy in Church history at: http://www.lds.org/newsroom/showpackage/0,15367,3899-1---2-539,00.html

Although the conversation on "Here on Earth" moved on quickly, there is still damage done to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in episodes like this one. For this to happen on Public Radio is especially damaging, because people recognize Public Radio as a source of good, accurate news. As this happened so close to the end of the show, there was really no way for me to call in and correct Jean Feraca in the matter, so now everyone that was listening to the show last Thursday has received false information and no correction, to my knowledge. I understand that you do not censor what your listeners say, but there is no excuse for Jean Feraca agreeing with the lies that the caller put forth.

I believe that "Here on Earth," Jean Feraca, and WPR owe the public an apology for this gross error. Additionally, I can not support an institution that allows such errors to stand.