Sun City Anthem

Monday, February 22, 2016

Freedom of the Press is a Question Mark in Sun City Anthem Communication


SCA-TV Interview Conducted
by
Non-Resident with Interesting Past
and
Examining Sun City Anthem Communication

An Anthem Opinions Editorial

Do you recognize this face?

211938.jpg (200×148)

It's a man named Larry Carroll who recently did a broadcast on SCA-TV interviewing Sun City Anthem Treasurer, Tim Nissen, and upcoming Sun City Anthem General Manager, Sandy Seddon.

If you didn't catch it...here is the broadcast.

But...our story is not about that broadcast, it's about Larry Carroll....

AND...

...Sun City Anthem Communication.


THE FIX !


Mr. Carroll has been affiliated with SCA-TV for a few years...and it was learned that at the direction of Board President Bella Meese, she requested that the interview with Mr. Nissen & Mrs. Seddon be conducted by Mr. Carroll.

Why would this be of any concern?

For a couple of reasons !

Let's begin with Larry Carroll...the "golden voice" of SCA-TV...a supposed "objective" Sun City Anthem owned television station that CONTROLS VIEWING COMMUNICATION IN OUR COMMUNITY...

...a television station RUN & FULLY CONTROLLED  by a "closed" group of political appointees...

...a communication device closely monitored by a Board who makes sure you see and hear exactly what certain board members want you to see and hear...

...one would believe, is supposedly run by members of our community.

You will closely note that following Mr. Carroll's interview...

...there was NO OPPORTUNITY FOR REBUTTAL TO ANY OF THE COMMENTARY.

Well now...Mr. Carroll DOES NOT LIVE IN SUN CITY ANTHEM, yet for some unknown reason, has been allowed to be an "unofficial" part of the Communications efforts....

...a rather strange decision when we also know that a number of Sun City Anthem residents have been REFUSED admission to various methods of association communication activities.

And...our question is...

WHY was Mr. Carroll CHOSEN over other able and willing residents ?

I became aware of Mr. Carroll a couple of years ago when I was the Entertainment Editor of The Vegas Voice newspaper, having numerous contacts with members of the local entertainment community.

Mr. Carroll conducted a Christmas show at Freedom Hall and the admission charge for the show was $20 as I recall. (It could have been $15).

What made me curious about that production had to do with my previous experience with The Vegas Voice....

...primarily, THE REFUSAL TO COMPENSATE PERFORMERS FOR THEIR SERVICES for entertainment venues provided to members of the senior community.


I refer to that treatment as EXPLOITATION; and as a result, I decided to contact a number of those entertainers to ask them a simple question...



"Are you being paid to perform on the Larry Carroll Christmas Show?"

...and sadly, each of the five I spoke to, said...


 NO

Mr. Carroll's show was literally sold out...collecting between $4,500 and $6,000 of revenue....NONE OF WHICH was paid to the entertainers.

What happened to that money....AND...how it was believed to have supposedly been channeled "unofficially" to allow sophisticated equipment to be utilized by him for personal reasons...has never been disclosed.

And so...I decided to do a bit of homework on Mr. Carroll, dropping the subject for the time-being, until I saw him do this latest interview on SCA-TV that was authorized by Bella Meese, despite his not being a resident of Sun City Anthem.

...and...in what has become one of the most "POLITICALLY CONTROLLED" organizations associated with Sun City Anthem...

...it appears that someone PULLED A STRING to allow him to do so.

Controlling communication....what's next folks ???

But let's look at the history of Mr. Carroll.

Larry Carroll was an NBC newscaster in Los Angeles for a number of years until in 1999...

Something took place which up until now,  has yet to be disclosed to Sun City Anthem Residents.

According to an article written on December 22, 1999 by an author named Carla Hall.....

"The former newsman and Long had been charged with trying to defraud  Newberry Springs water park owner Terry Christensen by persuading him to put $2 million in a scam investment that would allegedly earn him $18 million. Skeptical of the deal, Christensen told the authorities, who orchestrated a sting operation against Carroll and Long. Christensen never paid any money to Carroll or Long."
When all was said and done, the charges were eventually dismissed, but strangely....states the author of the article....
"In May, when his contract expired, the station chose not to rehire him, and he lost his $330,000 a year job."
So...we at Anthem Opinions do not wish to throw stones, but in addition to being authorized by Mrs. Meese for a non-resident of Sun City Anthem to conduct business on an association television broadcast...
...one has to ask WHY a person earning $330,000 a year in 1999 would NOT BE REHIRED ?
Better yet, why is he allowed, or why would he continue an affiliation with a community's non-profit communication?
Was there compensation of some kind paid to Mr. Carroll?
SCA-TV is a community service group...and as such, unlike clubs whose operations are financed by individual club members, is FINANCED BY YOUR DUES ASSESSMENTS.
As usual....no one seems to have the answer...or no one is willing to provide that answer.
BUT...there seems to be more about our association's communication....
First, it's been noted that many experienced individuals have been rejected from association communication participation.
The Communications Committee hasn't met for months.
In addition, to our knowledge, almost all experienced blog authors...with one glaring exception, have never been approached for official communication efforts by members the Communication avenues for membership.
Yet the continuing presence of individuals including the Association President's husband, George Meese, the Association Vice-President's wife, Beth Weddle, and yes, an alternative blogger...
 ...none of which have any journalistic background...
...are forever there (to monitor what's going on). 
...and...we've heard it through the grapevine that Tom Nissen,  currently running for reelection to the Board of Directors, will again be highlighted in another TV production...that "coincidently" will be aired very close to the time the Board election ballots are mailed to members...
...thus providing him undue publicity in his campaign.
The obvious "right thing to do" SHOULD HAVE BEEN for Mr. Nissen to have recused himself during the election period to avoid any conflict of interest or partiality, but it certainly appears from all of these "coincidences" that...
...the FIX is in !
The cardinal rule in establishing a DICTATORSHIP...
...is to CONTROL COMMUNICATION.
...and this current leadership has now used every bit of their influence to accomplish that objective.
Got a comment?
Send it to us at:

Anthem Opinions Administration
  1. From Bud McQuillan...to...Anthem Opinions

    I wonder if Sandy our new GM, is getting an objective education or just keeping her head in the Sand.
  2. February 23, 2016 at 6:23 PM
  3. From David Strand...to...Anthem Opinions

    Dear Anthem Opinions,

    Thank you for your editorial concerning our community supported television station here in Sun City Anthem. There are several issues addressed and I had to spend some time sifting through them to understand the main point of the article.

    Before I continue, you should know that my observation might be a little biased considering I have spent most of my life in technical television and stage production. Show business is a very difficult and demanding industry stacked with egos and politics that can easily make Washington look like the minor leagues. It is a business of exploitation, self promotion, back stabbing and any other nasty thing you can think of to gain power and fame. Not everyone is like this of course; there are many wonderful people whom I have worked with and I wouldn't trade my experience for anything. So with that said let's get on with it.

    Mr. Carroll:

    I don't have a problem with Mr. Carroll as a person nor his career. He is always looking for an opportunity and is very persuasive. What he does "goes with the territory". I do have a problem with him participating in our association supported activities especially if it is for his personal gain. I remember him very well from his days in Los Angeles and my advice is to be very careful when dealing with him.

    The Fix:

    This is what I see is the heart of the matter. Your observations and conclusions are probably correct concerning the control of SCA-TV and its narrow approach to broadcast journalism. This is not unusual in the industry. You can see examples of this in TV news channels, newspapers and other media. Once again, "it goes with the territory".

    The situation here in our community can be changed but it will be very difficult. The group running the show is very closed and protective of their domain. Here is a little more personal background information about me as it pertains to SCA-TV.

    A couple years ago SCA-TV placed an announcement in the Spirit magazine looking for volunteers. I have to admit I had never watched SCA-TV so I gave it a look (I watched it on-line because I do not have COX which is another issue of who pays for what). The first thing I noticed was the use of a copyrighted, RCA logo. I won't go any further with that.

    I watched a few programs over the next few days and concluded that even though the content was somewhat slanted I could be of some assistence because the production values could use some help. I made contact with the head person at SCA-TV and he was very excited about my possible involvement and invited me to attend some of their production shoots. I did. I watched interviews, commentaries and some other shows I didn't understand. During this information gathering adventure of mine I asked the content people at SCA-TV when they were going to tape the opposing views. I was told "we don't do that". I also asked if SCA-TV provided live coverage of board and committee meetings. The answer was "we can't do that". I asked why that was so and I got no response. When I met and talked to the technical people I was definitely overstepping into a very private clique. The smaller the operation the more closed it is. I know this through many decades of production. I then talked to the grunts who were very nice but short-timers. I guess the turnover is high.

    A quick look at the equipment, in and out of use, revealed a great waste of money for what they have. This is an area that I have a great deal experience.

    After my visits I was told that they would get back to me. You guessed it; they didn't. However they continued to search for more volunteers.

    In conclusion I found SCA-TV to be a very select group of people who like to play television on their own terms that serves no useful purpose to our community at large. It is a shame that we do not use this community based television communication tool for the great good of our community. As you know it can be a powerful media.
  4. What a great comment, David.

    One the best we've ever received...and your experience should make you a "natural", but the system...we'll the system...needs change, doesn't it ?

  1. From Nancy Hepburn...to..Anthem Opinions

    I would like to correct an assumption printed in your February 22 Editorial about Larry Carroll.
    Bella Meese did not "request" that Larry Carroll interview Tom Nissen and Sandy Seddon. Larry Carroll is the Host of Board Roundtable and therefore slated to do so.

    Board Roundtable, some facts.
    Bob Sansing started work on this program concept when he was a member of the SCA Board of Directors. In September of 2012 the program came to fruition when he introduced the concept of the show in Board Roundtable's introductory video. It was Bob Sansing's responsibility to choose the subject for each program and line up the board member or members or others to speak about the subject.

    Larry Carroll was the first Host of the program, a Channel 99 volunteer and SCA resident at the time, and has been Host for every program since then except one.

    "Why was Mr. Carroll chosen over other able and willing residents?" I feel you left that thought hanging. You should have asked SCA Television's General Manager, Bob Passaro. When Bob asked him to Host, Larry was a resident and a Channel99 volunteer. I did not see a bunch of residents lining up at a production meeting that summer of 2012 vying for the Hosting position.

    People with clear voices, at ease reading a teleprompter and with word smith skills are an asset to any TV station and would be welcome at SCA Television.

    And finally, for good or ill, SCA Television does not intentionally produce controversial programming.

    Yours truly,
    Nancy Hepburn
    SCA Television volunteer

    PS You will see and hear the 6 Board of Director Candidates on SCA Television starting soon after their position statements are shot the first week of March.


  1.        Dick ArendtFebruary 23, 2016 at 8:43 PM
  2. Nancy, thank you for the comment.

    You fail to miss one very important point, a point that Mr. Sansing obviously knew full well....Mr. Carroll is NOT A RESIDENT. That should have meant an automatic rejection from the day that was established. Obviously Mr. Sansing felt he was "entitled" to name an OUTSIDER, an entitlement attitude he has displayed over and over again for years.

    Were any INSIDERS interviewed?

    Unfortunately Nancy, we know how close Mr. Sansing has always been to "the system".

    He knows full well how to work it as a result of his close relationship to another blogger who patronizes your studios on a very regular basis.

    Based on a number of conversations with residents, if you are "not in step" with the "system", you don't seem to be accepted for membership.

    You are a SERVICE GROUP...YOU ARE FINANCED with residents DUES PAYMENTS.

    ....and...OUR DUES PAYING EQUIPMENT, has been used for personal reasons.

    And finally, who determines what is and what is not controversial?

    The last Larry Carroll interview was filled with comments of PERSONAL OPINION BY A board member running for reelection.

    Ever read NRS regs Nancy?

    Read this one:

    "If an official publication contains the views or opinions of the association, the executive board, a community manager or an officer, employee or agent of an association concerning an issue of official interest, the official publication must, upon request and under the same terms and conditions, provide equal space to opposing views and opinions of a unit’s owner of the common-interest community."

    Would you mind asking Mr. Sansing when the opposition gets its LEGAL RIGHT to respond?

    Perhaps the definition of CONTROVERSIAL...is ANYTHING AGAINST THE "SYSTEM" ????
    1. From Janet Marks...to...Anthem Opinions


      I was unaware of the fact that Mr. Carroll was not a resident here at SCA.
      My question is:
      Doesn’t Mr. Carroll have to be signed in as a guest of a resident and isn’the only allowed here five times a quarter, according to policy?

      If he is considered a “consultant,” then why is he conducting the interviews at our station?
    2. Janet, an excellent question.

      Maybe someone out there can give us an explanation, because you brought up a point that certainly hasn't crossed a lot of people's minds !

7 comments:

  1. From Bud McQuillan...to...Anthem Opinions

    I wonder if Sandy our new GM, is getting an objective education or just keeping her head in the Sand.

    ReplyDelete
  2. From David Strand...to...Anthem Opinions

    Dear Anthem Opinions,

    Thank you for your editorial concerning our community supported television station here in Sun City Anthem. There are several issues addressed and I had to spend some time sifting through them to understand the main point of the article.

    Before I continue, you should know that my observation might be a little biased considering I have spent most of my life in technical television and stage production. Show business is a very difficult and demanding industry stacked with egos and politics that can easily make Washington look like the minor leagues. It is a business of exploitation, self promotion, back stabbing and any other nasty thing you can think of to gain power and fame. Not everyone is like this of course; there are many wonderful people whom I have worked with and I wouldn't trade my experience for anything. So with that said let's get on with it.

    Mr. Carroll:

    I don't have a problem with Mr. Carroll as a person nor his career. He is always looking for an opportunity and is very persuasive. What he does "goes with the territory". I do have a problem with him participating in our association supported activities especially if it is for his personal gain. I remember him very well from his days in Los Angeles and my advice is to be very careful when dealing with him.

    The Fix:

    This is what I see is the heart of the matter. Your observations and conclusions are probably correct concerning the control of SCA-TV and its narrow approach to broadcast journalism. This is not unusual in the industry. You can see examples of this in TV news channels, newspapers and other media. Once again, "it goes with the territory".

    The situation here in our community can be changed but it will be very difficult. The group running the show is very closed and protective of their domain. Here is a little more personal background information about me as it pertains to SCA-TV.

    A couple years ago SCA-TV placed an announcement in the Spirit magazine looking for volunteers. I have to admit I had never watched SCA-TV so I gave it a look (I watched it on-line because I do not have COX which is another issue of who pays for what). The first thing I noticed was the use of a copyrighted, RCA logo. I won't go any further with that.

    I watched a few programs over the next few days and concluded that even though the content was somewhat slanted I could be of some assistence because the production values could use some help. I made contact with the head person at SCA-TV and he was very excited about my possible involvement and invited me to attend some of their production shoots. I did. I watched interviews, commentaries and some other shows I didn't understand. During this information gathering adventure of mine I asked the content people at SCA-TV when they were going to tape the opposing views. I was told "we don't do that". I also asked if SCA-TV provided live coverage of board and committee meetings. The answer was "we can't do that". I asked why that was so and I got no response. When I met and talked to the technical people I was definitely overstepping into a very private clique. The smaller the operation the more closed it is. I know this through many decades of production. I then talked to the grunts who were very nice but short-timers. I guess the turnover is high.

    A quick look at the equipment, in and out of use, revealed a great waste of money for what they have. This is an area that I have a great deal experience.

    After my visits I was told that they would get back to me. You guessed it; they didn't. However they continued to search for more volunteers.

    In conclusion I found SCA-TV to be a very select group of people who like to play television on their own terms that serves no useful purpose to our community at large. It is a shame that we do not use this community based television communication tool for the great good of our community. As you know it can be a powerful media.

    ReplyDelete
  3. What a great comment, David.

    One the best we've ever received...and your experience should make you a "natural", but the system...we'll the system...needs change, doesn't it ?

    ReplyDelete
  4. From Nancy Hepburn...to..Anthem Opinions

    I would like to correct an assumption printed in your February 22 Editorial about Larry Carroll.
    Bella Meese did not "request" that Larry Carroll interview Tom Nissen and Sandy Seddon. Larry Carroll is the Host of Board Roundtable and therefore slated to do so.

    Board Roundtable, some facts.
    Bob Sansing started work on this program concept when he was a member of the SCA Board of Directors. In September of 2012 the program came to fruition when he introduced the concept of the show in Board Roundtable's introductory video. It was Bob Sansing's responsibility to choose the subject for each program and line up the board member or members or others to speak about the subject.

    Larry Carroll was the first Host of the program, a Channel 99 volunteer and SCA resident at the time, and has been Host for every program since then except one.

    "Why was Mr. Carroll chosen over other able and willing residents?" I feel you left that thought hanging. You should have asked SCA Television's General Manager, Bob Passaro. When Bob asked him to Host, Larry was a resident and a Channel99 volunteer. I did not see a bunch of residents lining up at a production meeting that summer of 2012 vying for the Hosting position.

    People with clear voices, at ease reading a teleprompter and with word smith skills are an asset to any TV station and would be welcome at SCA Television.

    And finally, for good or ill, SCA Television does not intentionally produce controversial programming.

    Yours truly,
    Nancy Hepburn
    SCA Television volunteer

    PS You will see and hear the 6 Board of Director Candidates on SCA Television starting soon after their position statements are shot the first week of March.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Nancy, thank you for the comment.

    You fail to miss one very important point, a point that Mr. Sansing obviously knew full well....Mr. Carroll is NOT A RESIDENT. That should have meant an automatic rejection from the day that was established. Obviously Mr. Sansing felt he was "entitled" to name an OUTSIDER, and attitude he has displayed over and over again for years.

    Where any INSIDERS interviewed?

    Unfortunately Nancy, we know how close Mr. Sansing has always been to "the system".

    He knows full well how to work it as a result of his close relationship to another blogger who patronizes your studios on a very regular basis.

    Based on a number of conversation with residents, if you are "not in step" with the "system", you don't seem to accepted for membership.

    You are a SERVICE GROUP...YOU ARE FINANCED with residents DUES PAYMENTS.

    ....and...OUR DUES PAYING EQUIPMENT, has been used for personal reasons.

    And finally, who determines what is and is not controversial?

    The last Larry Carroll interview was filled with comments of PERSONAL OPINION BY A board member running for reelection.

    Ever read NRS regs Nancy?

    Read this one:

    "If an official publication contains the views or opinions of the association, the executive board, a community manager or an officer, employee or agent of an association concerning an issue of official interest, the official publication must, upon request and under the same terms and conditions, provide equal space to opposing views and opinions of a unit’s owner of the common-interest community."

    Would you mind asking Mr. Sansing when the opposition gets its LEGAL RIGHT to respond?

    Perhaps the definition of CONTROVERSIAL...is ANYTHING AGAINST THE "SYSTEM" ????










    ReplyDelete
  6. From Janet Marks...to...Anthem Opinions


    I was unaware of the fact that Mr. Carroll was not a resident here at SCA.
    My question is:
    Doesn’t Mr. Carroll have to be signed in as a guest of a resident and isn’the only allowed here five times a quarter, according to policy?

    If he is considered a “consultant,” then why is he conducting the interviews at our station?

    ReplyDelete
  7. Janet, an excellent question.

    Maybe someone out there can give us an explanation, because you brought up a point that certainly hasn't crossed a lot of people's minds !

    ReplyDelete