Bucking the trend across Alabama, Dr. Harrison Cass called Channel One a “good current events program” and said children will continue to watch the program. He said he reached that personal decision after viewing several programs. Dr. Cass is quoted by the Birmingham News as saying “We also get to use equipment they provide such as televisions and other educational programs for free.”
Pizitz Middle School principal, David Miles, who has been outspoken in his support of Channel One, told the Birmingham News that he considers Channel One an educational tool.
Jim Metrock, Obligation president, said, “I greatly respect both of these educators. However, I believe we need to be careful with the word ‘free’. There is nothing ‘free’ about Channel One equipment or programming. What we need in Alabama is more discussion of the true cost of Channel One and less restating of Channel One sales literature.”
“Also, our citizens are not served by educators that fail to mention that Channel One is primarily a marketing company not an educational or journalistic enterprise.”
Vestavia Hills has two schools under contract to Channel One. The high school does not show the program at all. The middle school does not honor the contract because it shows the program only 60% of all school days as opposed to the 90% called for in the contract.
“This is the only school system in Alabama that is promoting Channel One and they are fleecing Channel One. ‘Exploiting the exploiter’ so to speak. There is some justice in that,” Metrock said.
