Several weeks ago, WSLS first reported about a Roanoke City employee who unexpectedly stripped during a charity event at 202 Market.
This employee, River Laker, had to be escorted off the stage and the incident sparked an investigation by the ABC. There are regulations regarding nudity at Virginia establishments that serve alcoholic beverages.
At the time, we received quite a few critical emails and calls from a core group of people who supported Laker. The same names kept creeping up in these Facebook posts and emails and they were vocal. I mean VOCAL! I applaud them for caring about something and, for the most part, expressing those views in a mature, civil manner. That’s exactly how things should work.
The Roanoke Times eventually covered the story as well; although, its columnist, Dan Casey, was quick to point out that “Channel 10’s all over it.”
I guess Casey missed the article his own paper printed, as well as his own subsequent blog postings (which now number more than three).
Casey later commented on his own blog posting by saying, “I think Channel 10′s Jay Warren is the only one offended.”
For the record, I wasn’t offended. But, my personal views don’t matter. All that matters is the news, and this story was/is newsworthy.
And it continues to be newsworthy.
Wednesday, we learned that the ABC Board did place a violation against 202 Market. As it was explained to WSLS, an administration judge will eventually hear the case. That judge could fine the restaurant, suspend its license to sell alcohol, or both. And, in a worst case scenario, the judge could pull 202 Market’s alcohol license entirely.
Regarding today’s developments, Casey wrote on his Roanoke Times blog, “Unbelievable! I’m sure Channel 10 is thrilled.”
Let me be perfectly clear, all WSLS is doing is covering the news. We initially reported the story because there was an investigation into what River Laker did. That’s newsworthy. And, evidently, The Roanoke Times eventually thought the same thing.
We followed up on the story several weeks later because a violation has been placed against the restaurant that could carry serious penalties. That’s newsworthy. And, again, the Roanoke Times reported the violation as well.
The WSLS news department is not thrilled by this story. Nor are we offended. We’re simply thoroughly covering the news like we would any other story. It’s our job.
That’s our stance. People are certainly welcome to disagree. In fact, we welcome the conversation.
Posted by Jay Warren at 10:19 PM. Filed under: main •
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Posted by ( Aubrey ) on February 24, 2011 at 9:45 am
Dan Casey??? Who is Dan Casey? Oh yes, he is the reporter who wrote an article in the Roanoke times that I used to read. I never did care much for his opinion on anything.
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Posted by ( mountaincat5 ) on February 24, 2011 at 9:44 am
The reporting by WSLS is appropriate.
River Laker broke the law. He placed a city business establishment, the 202 Market, in jeopardy.
He also revealed a side of himself that questions his ability as a representative of the city of Roanoke.
He embarrassed and possibly placed jeopardy on future fund raising activities from the Square Society, which is raising funds for the Center in the Square.
If River Laker’s followers wish to console his actions, they can continue to stroke his back and take pity on him, but none of his well wishers will change the outcome and consequences from his irresponsible and pitiful attempt to gain notoriety, from his actions.
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Posted by ( Bill McClure ) on February 23, 2011 at 11:58 pm
You make some great points Jay. These vocal few don’t mention he broke the law, and ruined a fund raiser for Square Society. It is a shame a business trying to help the arts, and a charity group that does the same were the ones hurt here. The vocal few do not seem to mention that. As for their he was not on the clock argument I submit this: If the Neighborhood Services Coordinator, a policeman (or woman), or any other City employee had committed the same act, would they be an employee in good standing today? There is a history that says they would not. I am not saying River Laker is not any of the things they claim, but the fact remains he showed terrible judgment, committed a crime, and ruined an arts fundraiser at a time arts in Roanoke needs all the fund raising it can get. He should be charged for what he did, and a jury of his peers will make that determination, not the vocal few, or me. Channel 10 has done a good job on this news story, and I am glad you pointed out that the Times has covered it about the same as Channel 10 has. Thanks for your coverage, and we shall see where this goes.
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Posted by ( sealbeam ) on February 23, 2011 at 11:42 pm
I actually don’t care about this story one way or the other, but it is news. Sometime Mr. Casey has some good article’s, sometime he’s not so good. I guess we’re all guilty of that. You folk’s did what you were supposed to do. Why worry about what Dan thinks? Good job.
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