KSLA News 12 Shreveport, Louisiana |KSLA News 12 Editorials

KSLA News 12 Editorials

KSLA-TV 12 Editorial Policy

As a news organization, we at KSLA believe we have an obligation to not just inform our community but to try and make it better as well. That's why we formed an editorial board, headed by General Manager James Smith, to take a stand on important issues that affect our community. At the end of each editorial, we invite feedback. Your comments will be posted with the editorial, so please include your first name and last initial. You can see any viewer responses on the individual editorial pages.

Questions or Comments? Email us at editorial@ksla.com

  • Sunday, February 19 2012 9:00 AM EST2012-02-19 14:00:56 GMT
    The steeple missing from the top of First United Methodist in downtown Shreveport is a vivid reminder of the kind of severe weather we can have in the Ark-La-Tex.
  • Thursday, February 16 2012 3:38 PM EST2012-02-16 20:38:53 GMT
    I'm proud to announce that once again, KSLA News 12 is teaming up with the Homebuilders Association of Northwest Louisiana to give away a brand new house.
  • Sunday, February 12 2012 9:00 AM EST2012-02-12 14:00:46 GMT
    Here's the question. Should wearing pajama pants in public be against the law?
  • Thursday, February 9 2012 3:42 PM EST2012-02-09 20:42:31 GMT
    Caddo Parish Schools should rethink their student check-out policies and procedures after KSLA News 12 revealed serious problems at one local high school.
  • Thursday, February 9 2012 3:18 PM EST2012-02-09 20:18:07 GMT
    Right now in Caddo Parish, at least 250 senior citizens are unable to get a daily lunch delivered to their homes. That's because of budget cuts to the Meals on Wheels program.
  • Thursday, February 9 2012 3:15 PM EST2012-02-09 20:15:51 GMT
    A parent of a Bossier Parish eighth grader called our newsroom this week about a book at the school library. The book contains explicit sexual descriptions, so explicit I can't even read them on television. So how does such a book end up in the middle school library?
  • Wednesday, February 1 2012 3:09 PM EST2012-02-01 20:09:30 GMT
    In last week's State of the Union address, President Barack Obama identified community colleges as essential elements of America's economic prosperity.
  • Wednesday, January 25 2012 1:49 PM EST2012-01-25 18:49:18 GMT
    It was announced this week that a film produced by Shreveport's own Moonbot Studios is nominated for an Academy Award.
  • Sunday, January 22 2012 9:00 AM EST2012-01-22 14:00:49 GMT
    Losing one son to the War in Afghanistan is a tragedy. Losing two sons must be unbearable.
  • Wednesday, January 18 2012 2:11 PM EST2012-01-18 19:11:24 GMT
    Grace sent me the email because she, her classmates and teachers need help. This seventh grader has taken it upon herself to try and raise money to replace the tables in the science lab.
  • Wednesday, January 11 2012 2:31 PM EST2012-01-11 19:31:22 GMT
    Something happened a few days ago that's worth noting. Residents of Shreveport's Mooretown neighborhood rallied against plans to store explosives in their community.
  • Wednesday, January 11 2012 2:24 PM EST2012-01-11 19:24:50 GMT
    American troops may have moved out of Iraq, but our men and women are very much on the front lines in Afghanistan.
  • Friday, January 6 2012 2:45 PM EST2012-01-06 19:45:36 GMT
    And now there are two...two teams that have earned the right to play for the coveted BCS Championship title.
  • Sunday, January 1 2012 9:00 AM EST2012-01-01 14:00:53 GMT
    We have a lot to look forward to in 2012. It's a chance to wipe the slate clean, take a deep breath and forge ahead in a brand new year.
  • Sunday, December 25 2011 9:00 AM EST2011-12-25 14:00:51 GMT
    In this holiday season, I want to extend a special thank you to all of you who have contributed to our programs over the last year, especially those who committed to helping our families have a joyous Christmas.
  • Wednesday, December 21 2011 1:00 PM EST2011-12-21 18:00:59 GMT
    Between now and the end of the year, expect to see a public service announcement on KSLA News 12.
  • Sunday, December 18 2011 9:00 AM EST2011-12-18 14:00:23 GMT
    The Advocare V-100 Independence Bowl is just a few days away. The Missouri Tigers take on the North Carolina Tar heels in Independence Stadium in Shreveport.
  • Wednesday, December 14 2011 1:00 PM EST2011-12-14 18:00:45 GMT
    There is an organization dedicated to helping those who have been adversely affected by injuries or death in the line of duty. It's called Hope for the Warriors.
  • Sunday, December 11 2011 9:00 AM EST2011-12-11 14:00:33 GMT
    Viewer response to an editorial I did on the idea of a smoke free casino was positive.
  • Friday, December 9 2011 3:03 PM EST2011-12-09 20:03:58 GMT
    If you watch newscasts or sports programs, you already know about the child sex scandal at Penn State University.These events and the allegations of similar crimes at Syracuse University, are causing us all to look harder at what might be done to protect children.
  • Sunday, December 4 2011 9:00 AM EST2011-12-04 14:00:44 GMT
    KSLA News 12 along with Porter's Cleaners want to make sure children in the Ark-La-Tex have a warm coat to wear this winter.
  • Wednesday, November 30 2011 1:02 PM EST2011-11-30 18:02:13 GMT
    It's not uncommon to have surveillance cameras watching us. Almost every store has them in the parking lot, at the entrance, and inside the store.
  • Friday, December 9 2011 2:46 PM EST2011-12-09 19:46:32 GMT
    In Biloxi, Mississippi, often called the Las Vegas of the South, one casino has decided to go completely smoke free.
  • Wednesday, November 23 2011 1:00 PM EST2011-11-23 18:00:28 GMT
    This Thanksgiving, this holiday season, as we gather with family and count the blessings in our lives, let's think beyond our homes and loved ones.
  • Wednesday, November 16 2011 1:01 PM EST2011-11-16 18:01:04 GMT
    One of the things we'll be voting on this Saturday is the Louisiana Property Tax Amendment, which will appear on your ballot as Amendment #1.
  • Wednesday, November 9 2011 2:06 PM EST2011-11-09 19:06:18 GMT
    I had no idea so many of our teenagers are infected with sexually transmitted diseases including Syphillis, Gonorrhea and Chlamydia.
  • Tuesday, November 8 2011 6:57 AM EST2011-11-08 11:57:23 GMT
    This Wednesday, there will be a National Test of the Emergency Alert System. It will be the first time the system has been tested at the same time all across America.
  • Wednesday, November 2 2011 12:41 PM EDT2011-11-02 16:41:20 GMT
    The NCAA released the graduation success rates for college athletes and the LSU Football Program had the second highest in the SEC at 77 percent.
  • Sunday, October 30 2011 9:00 AM EDT2011-10-30 13:00:41 GMT
    This past week we had a chance to watch a political theater at it's best.
  • Sunday, October 23 2011 9:00 AM EDT2011-10-23 13:00:26 GMT
    When the news came out this week about two Byrd High School students infected with TB, I was surprised. It just seems like it's a disease of the past.
  • Wednesday, October 19 2011 2:53 PM EDT2011-10-19 18:53:29 GMT
    Many retailers say they plan to start their Christmas selling season earlier this year. That's because they are concerned with the lack luster economy and fear Christmas sales may be weak.
  • Sunday, October 16 2011 9:01 AM EDT2011-10-16 13:01:04 GMT
    A study will soon be underway to determine what can be done to improve higher education in Northwest Louisiana.
  • Friday, October 14 2011 11:22 AM EDT2011-10-14 15:22:56 GMT
    Monday night I got three phone calls at my house. All three were from politicians asking me to vote for them.
  • Sunday, October 9 2011 9:00 AM EDT2011-10-09 13:00:39 GMT
    Domestic Violence is an epidemic in our community. It happens every day and can happen to anyone, regardless of race, financial status, or religion.
  • Wednesday, October 5 2011 5:51 PM EDT2011-10-05 21:51:59 GMT
    Our vision, a world without Breast Cancer. It can happen, it will happen.
  • Sunday, October 2 2011 9:00 AM EDT2011-10-02 13:00:40 GMT
    Qualifying for the primary election in Louisiana is now over. We now know who's running for which races, statewide and local.

    Now it's time for the candidates and the voters to get to know each other.
  • Wednesday, September 28 2011 3:05 PM EDT2011-09-28 19:05:41 GMT
    The fall season is here and that means the start of flu season isn't far behind.
  • Sunday, September 25 2011 9:00 AM EDT2011-09-25 13:00:42 GMT
    Is your child on Facebook? I'd say most kids are. There is something new on Facebook parents need to be aware of.
  • Wednesday, September 21 2011 1:00 PM EDT2011-09-21 17:00:44 GMT
    KSLA News 12 is bringing a brand new digital broadcast channel to the Ark-La-Tex.
  • Sunday, September 18 2011 9:00 AM EDT2011-09-18 13:00:38 GMT
    A NOAA Satellite that orbits above the earth capturing images of potential hurricane's, their path and size and help officials get people out of harms way; however, but these weather satellites are in danger.
  • Wednesday, September 14 2011 1:01 PM EDT2011-09-14 17:01:07 GMT
    United Way agencies have begun their annual campaigns to raise funds to help our communities. This year, more than ever, there are so many agencies and needs that could use your help.
  • Sunday, September 11 2011 9:00 AM EDT2011-09-11 13:00:27 GMT
    As we remember the 10 year anniversary of 9-11 and honor those in public safety who've sacrificed all for us. Let's also remember our local first responders who come to the rescue every day.
  • Wednesday, September 7 2011 2:07 PM EDT2011-09-07 18:07:16 GMT
    This Sunday at Noon all of us have a chance to remember the victims of 9/11.
  • Sunday, September 4 2011 9:00 AM EDT2011-09-04 13:00:41 GMT
    As America celebrates our 117th Labor Day, let's not lose sight of the importance of this day.
  • Wednesday, August 31 2011 4:16 PM EDT2011-08-31 20:16:56 GMT
    So I get a phone call from a man who tells me he is with Publisher's Clearing House. Right away, It sounds suspicious.
  • Sunday, August 28 2011 9:00 AM EDT2011-08-28 13:00:34 GMT
    This is a time of year when blood supplies are critical. With the approaching Labor Day weekend, there is usually an increase in the amount of blood needed.
  • Wednesday, August 24 2011 1:01 PM EDT2011-08-24 17:01:01 GMT
    Hurricane Irene is quickly approaching the East Coast of the United States.
  • Wednesday, August 17 2011 1:00 PM EDT2011-08-17 17:00:47 GMT
    Summer vacation has come to an end for our kids and our break from driving quickly through school zones is also over.
  • Sunday, August 14 2011 9:00 AM EDT2011-08-14 13:00:39 GMT
    It has been alarming to watch our 401K's tank as the stock market plunged hundreds of points, but there still may be a silver lining to be found in this economic crisis.
  • Wednesday, August 10 2011 3:42 PM EDT2011-08-10 19:42:51 GMT
    Robert James Reeves and Jonas Kelsall were members of the elite Navy Seals. They were among 30 Americans who died when the helicopter they were in went down in the Tangi Valley.
  • Sunday, August 7 2011 8:00 AM EDT2011-08-07 12:00:40 GMT
    It was one year ago when six young people waded into the Red River at Hamel Memorial Park, quickly got into trouble and drowned. A warning sign at this park just makes sense. It's a matter of public safety.
  • Wednesday, August 3 2011 1:01 PM EDT2011-08-03 17:01:02 GMT
    Over the past few weeks, I asked for your help in securing the future of free, local broadcast television. I'm proud to report, this first battle has been won, but the war is not yet over.
  • Wednesday, July 27 2011 1:00 PM EDT2011-07-27 17:00:52 GMT
    Congress is currently considering action as part of the debt and budget negotiations that could threaten your ability to view local free over the air television.
  • Sunday, July 24 2011 8:00 AM EDT2011-07-24 12:00:43 GMT
    Congratulations to the Bossier Parish School Board for taking the step to prohibit students from using their cell phones at school.
  • Thursday, July 21 2011 2:15 PM EDT2011-07-21 18:15:29 GMT
    There is a debate going on right now in Washington that could impact the future of local television.
  • Sunday, July 17 2011 9:00 AM EDT2011-07-17 13:00:45 GMT
    Now in Louisiana, there is a new law designed to give police added authority to catch them and prosecute them.
  • Thursday, July 14 2011 12:51 PM EDT2011-07-14 16:51:24 GMT
    KSLA News 12 has launched a new public service campaign: Focus, Drive, Survive.
  • Thursday, July 14 2011 12:41 PM EDT2011-07-14 16:41:01 GMT
    A few days ago we got a vivid reminder of the danger our troops face in Afghanistan and Iraq.
  • Wednesday, July 6 2011 1:00 PM EDT2011-07-06 17:00:40 GMT
    Have you seen the new graphic warnings that will appear on every pack of cigarettes beginning in 2012?
  • Sunday, July 3 2011 9:00 AM EDT2011-07-03 13:00:31 GMT
    Here in the Ark-La-Tex weeks and weeks with very little rain, combined with temperatures in the 90's have left our fields and forests exceptionally dry, which is why officials throughout our area have called for a ban on fireworks this Fourth of July.
  • Wednesday, June 29 2011 3:25 PM EDT2011-06-29 19:25:58 GMT
    For the teachers and school employees of the Caddo Federation; when we see the school house is not the priority of our school board and our administration...we are obligated to speak out.
  • Wednesday, June 22 2011 4:45 PM EDT2011-06-22 20:45:08 GMT
    Time is running out for you to reserve a ticket for a chance to win a $375,000 house.
  • Sunday, June 19 2011 9:00 AM EDT2011-06-19 13:00:36 GMT
    For many, the General Motors plant of Shreveport was a significant economic driver in our community, but now the facility is not what it is used to be. 
  • Tuesday, June 14 2011 4:04 PM EDT2011-06-14 20:04:47 GMT
    In my last editorial I referred to the tragedy and stressed the importance of being aware of flash flood watches and warnings. I heard from family members of those who died that night.
  • Tuesday, June 14 2011 3:11 PM EDT2011-06-14 19:11:30 GMT
    Flash Flood Warnings are not uncommon in the Ark-La-Tex. This month; however, marks a grim anniversary and it should serve as a reminder to us all.
  • Wednesday, June 8 2011 2:23 PM EDT2011-06-08 18:23:40 GMT
    Every once in a while, we need to step back and realize the opportunities we have here in the Ark-La-Tex, especially for recent graduates.
  • Monday, June 6 2011 2:07 PM EDT2011-06-06 18:07:48 GMT
    My editorial on the Bossier Police Department giving out false information about their subject in the triple murder case resulted in a few viewer comments this week.
  • Monday, June 6 2011 1:14 PM EDT2011-06-06 17:14:14 GMT
    Is it ever okay for the police to tell the public something that is not true?
  • Sunday, May 29 2011 9:00 AM EDT2011-05-29 13:00:35 GMT
    We live in the land of the free and the brave. In America, freedom is our birth right, but it doesn't come free.
  • Thursday, May 26 2011 12:13 PM EDT2011-05-26 16:13:20 GMT
    The thought of a convicted murderer on death row having a Facebook page or their own web site is disturbing. It's happening though. 
  • Sunday, May 22 2011 3:20 PM EDT2011-05-22 19:20:26 GMT
    It's that time of the year again. Government scientists are predicting an above normal Hurricane season.
  • Sunday, May 15 2011 9:00 AM EDT2011-05-15 13:00:33 GMT
    Not too long ago, a portion of that loop, known as the 3132 extension was completed in southeast Shreveport to Flournoy Lucas Rd. There it comes to an abrupt end. Is it a road to nowhere?
  • Friday, May 13 2011 12:06 PM EDT2011-05-13 16:06:28 GMT
    This week, KSLA News 12 is teaming up with CMT, Country Music Television, to broadcast a live concert to raise money for the American Red Cross.
  • Sunday, May 8 2011 9:00 AM EDT2011-05-08 13:00:37 GMT
    This week, more than two dozen of those veterans from the Ark-La-Tex are taking a special trip to Washington D.C.
  • Wednesday, May 4 2011 4:38 PM EDT2011-05-04 20:38:06 GMT
    It's almost a decade since thousands died in the now infamous 9-11 terrorist attacks on America. The mastermind behind it all is dead and we join the growing chorus of Americans and those across the world who say, good riddance to Osama Bin Laden.
  • Wednesday, May 4 2011 4:37 PM EDT2011-05-04 20:37:53 GMT
    This past week we've seen incredible scenes of destruction in our viewing area and especially in Alabama.
  • Thursday, April 28 2011 2:52 PM EDT2011-04-28 18:52:04 GMT
    Thousands of children around Louisiana are owed more than $1 billion in child support. In Louisiana, state officials have taken one more step to try and collect some of that money.
  • Sunday, April 24 2011 9:00 AM EDT2011-04-24 13:00:23 GMT
    It's been one year since the Deep Water Horizon exploded, killing 11 men and eventually spilling 172 million gallons of oil into the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Louisiana.
  • Wednesday, April 20 2011 1:00 PM EDT2011-04-20 17:00:56 GMT
    We didn't need mainstreet.com to tell us Louisiana has the worst roads in the country, but it confirmed what we've been experiencing.
  • Wednesday, May 4 2011 4:37 PM EDT2011-05-04 20:37:30 GMT
    The entire month of April is Sexual Assault Awareness month. Providence House is the designated rape crisis center for Northwest Louisiana.
  • Wednesday, May 4 2011 4:37 PM EDT2011-05-04 20:37:14 GMT
    Which is the healthiest parish in Northwest Louisiana? A new survey ranks all 64 parishes in Northwest Louisiana.
  • Wednesday, May 4 2011 4:37 PM EDT2011-05-04 20:37:00 GMT
    There is a tool available for you to keep your family safe in the event of severe weather. It's a weather radio.
  • Wednesday, May 4 2011 4:36 PM EDT2011-05-04 20:36:44 GMT
    Just this week, the brand new Millennium Studios held its grand opening.  It's located in the Ledbetter Heights neighborhood of Shreveport.  It cost around $10 million to build.
  • Wednesday, May 4 2011 4:36 PM EDT2011-05-04 20:36:27 GMT
    You can win this year's House for Hope and at the same time, help people in our community.
  • Wednesday, May 4 2011 4:36 PM EDT2011-05-04 20:36:08 GMT
    Besides being displaced by natural disasters, thousands of Japan residents have been forced into shelters. People all across America and right here in the Ark-La-Tex are looking for ways to help, but be watchful of scams.
  • Wednesday, May 4 2011 4:35 PM EDT2011-05-04 21:35:37 GMT
    The U.S. Senate passed a resolution that designates March 30th as "Welcome Home Vietnam Veteran's Day."
  • Sunday, March 20 2011 9:00 AM EDT2011-03-20 13:00:36 GMT
    One solution that has been offered to reduce state budget cuts would be to increase the tax on cigarettes.
  • Wednesday, March 16 2011 2:00 PM EDT2011-03-16 18:00:12 GMT
    Every day senior citizens in our area go without a hot meal or someone checking on them. Something is being done to help them, but your help is needed to make sure they continue to get that help.
  • Wednesday, May 4 2011 4:35 PM EDT2011-05-04 20:35:20 GMT
    The government wants us to believe the economy is on the rebound, but money is tight. Just look at the crisis facing students, parents and teachers in Webster and Caddo Parishes.
  • Wednesday, May 4 2011 4:35 PM EDT2011-05-04 20:35:02 GMT
    Something really important is happening this week in the Ark-La-Tex, that we all should be proud of. The Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, Rocco Landesman, is in Shreveport.
  • Wednesday, May 4 2011 4:34 PM EDT2011-05-04 20:34:44 GMT
    It seems that every time there is a flare up in the Middle East, we feel it at the pump.
  • Wednesday, May 4 2011 4:34 PM EDT2011-05-04 20:34:27 GMT
    We often refer to people "falling through the cracks", but when it concerns a five-year-old girl who is now dead, that phrase takes on a whole new meaning.
  • Wednesday, May 4 2011 4:33 PM EDT2011-05-04 20:33:54 GMT
    Quite a bit of reaction to my editorial this week on allowing students and faculty to carry guns on Texas college campuses. I said it's a bad idea.
  • Wednesday, May 4 2011 4:33 PM EDT2011-05-04 20:33:36 GMT
    A bill under consideration right now in Texas would put guns in the hands of college students.
  • Wednesday, May 4 2011 4:32 PM EDT2011-05-04 20:32:59 GMT
    Here's an interesting idea. Let prisoners out of jail to save money. That's what's being discussed in Texas right now as lawmakers try and deal with a $15 billion shortfall.
  • Wednesday, February 16 2011 1:02 PM EST2011-02-16 18:02:21 GMT
    The more our government can be open to the public, the better. That's why we appreciate what the Arkansas House is doing.
  • Wednesday, February 16 2011 1:02 PM EST2011-02-16 18:02:04 GMT
    Many school districts from DeQueen, Arkansas to DeSoto, Louisiana canceled classes anticipating treacherous road conditions.
  • Wednesday, May 4 2011 4:32 PM EDT2011-05-04 20:32:34 GMT
    At this Sunday's Grammy's. Several artists from the Ark-La-Tex have been nominated for awards.
  • Wednesday, May 4 2011 4:32 PM EDT2011-05-04 20:32:00 GMT
    I'm proud to announce that once again, KSLA News 12 is teaming up with the Homebuilders Association of Northwest Louisiana to give away a brand new house.
  • Wednesday, May 4 2011 4:31 PM EDT2011-05-04 20:31:40 GMT
    This week, 12 volunteers in the Ark-La-Tex were honored with a special banquet.