4 people protest Reno Rodeo, get disproportionate amount of media attention

Jun 22nd, 2008 by crazynevada

In a startling diversion from normal journalist practice, the Nevada news media reported today that four people protested some multiple thousands who enjoy the Reno Rodeo each year.

The four, who managed to get widespread coverage for their protest, were give two direct quotes:

“They perpetuate animal cruelty,” said Renee Carigilia of Reno-based Citizens for Animal Rights. “They can call it entertainment, but the bottom line is the animals aren’t treated humanely.”

The Reno Rodeo was allowed a one-sentence rebuttal, an indirect quote.

Likewise, none of the many thousands mentioned in the news story, who were attending the event, nor the 700-plus rodeo competitors–and their horses, cows and sheep–were available for comment.

It was rumored that the thousands of rodeo attendees were in fact hiding in fear of the four protesters and the throngs of reporters, who were there to ensure the demonstrators’ story would be told to balance the non-news of the rodeo across the street at the Reno Livestock Events Center.

“Apparently these rodeo cowboys, and all of their fans, are really just a bunch of wussies,” one animal rights activist was alleged to have said.