Alcoa files public records request linked to the UNC TV free-press fiasco

If you’ve followed Rick Henderson’s work on the Alcoa dispute, you might appreciate this press release:

Alcoa files public records request for information regarding UNC-TV report

New York, NY, July 9, 2010 – Alcoa today filed a public records request with UNC-TV for information surrounding the development of a report about Alcoa and its hydroelectric operations on the Yadkin River.
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?We don?t have any desire to enter into the editorial process or challenge the freedom of the press, but UNC-TV has openly acknowledged that it is a state agency,? said Rick Bowen, President, Alcoa Energy. ??Given the story?s inherent bias, the inclusion of undocumented claims against Alcoa, the fact that the segment aired with a disclaimer at the beginning and end acknowledging that for the first time ever the station abandoned its customary editorial review process, along with UNC-TV’s decision to permit Sen. Fletcher Hartsell to use its unpublished video as a blatant political tool, we want to learn more about how this story was developed and who influenced the content.?
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?It is important that we protect our reputation against these types of unfounded allegations and given UNC-TV?s public acknowledgement that it is a state agency and its willingness to comply with the subpoena issued by the NC Senate?s Judiciary II Committee, we think this is a prudent step so that everyone can see what some of the drivers in this story were and why some people want to seize private property.?
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The request asks ?to inspect and copy all video footage as well as all unedited, edited and final versions, photographs, compilations, and related materials as well as all communications and/or correspondence sent or received by Eszter Vajda or any other employee or representative of UNC-TV since January 1, 2008? in connection with the production of a series of reports on Alcoa?s effort to obtain a new license for Yadkin Project.
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In a July 9, 2010 letter to Sen. Hartsell, Alcoa Vice President William O?Rourke reiterated that the Company ?did not attempt to influence or prohibit the development, production and airing of the story in any way, shape or form.? ???
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Alcoa remains committed to continue generating clean, renewable energy at its hydropower project on the Yadkin River and will vigorously oppose efforts to pursue an unprecedented government takeover of its property.