Jackson Free Press

Sept. 14, 2011

WAPT aired an interesting piece yesterday, which implied that Swell-O-Phonic's T-shirts are causing controversy. The piece highlights the T-shirt slogans such as "Brandon, We Ain't Pearl Dammit," and "Don't make me go South Jackson on You."

Nothing sells like controversy, and I think this will help Swell-O-Phonic's business. But is this just another case of broadcast journalism trying to dig up controversy where there is none? Swell-O-Phonic manager Drew Mellon said he felt mislead by WAPT who told the store that they wanted to do a piece on the store's shirts, without mentioning the "controversy."

Most of the people they found on the street seemed to find the shirts funny and weren't visibly upset. WAPT's Facebook page has more than 30 comments from people who support the local business and its shirts.

Previous Comments

ID

164925

Comment

Weird. Why wouldn't they ask them about the controversy part? That's not good if true; Chane and company ought to be ticked. I never understand why journalists shy away from what the story is really about.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2011-09-14T10:39:55-06:00

ID

164926

Comment

To me, those shirts are no worse than the at-least-we-aren't-Mississippi shirts. The messages are just tongue-in-cheek phrases meant to get a few laughs, and it's not like they're saying anything racist or sexist. The jokes are about the same as what you get from Letterman's Top 10 List. Personally, I haven't heard any complaints.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2011-09-14T11:10:48-06:00

ID

164927

Comment

I want a shirt!

Author

833WMaple

Date

2011-09-14T12:12:14-06:00

ID

164928

Comment

Without meaning to, they probably just gave this company a ton of business which I think is great.... "mmmm, which one do I want?"

Author

833WMaple

Date

2011-09-14T12:13:28-06:00

ID

164945

Comment

None of the local television news outlets hardly ever produce anything other than what I would characterize as tabloid news. I have no doubt that they'd have psychics predicting the next violent crime if they could get away with it. Look at where most of the television reporters and news directors live - not in Jackson. They have no investment in community, other than to exploit people for ratings.

Author

thabian

Date

2011-09-15T08:20:31-06:00

ID

165006

Comment

Jackson is at the bottom of the media market food chain. As such, entry-level reporters rely heavily on the directions given to them by their news directors and their station consultants. Doing so helps them move up and out to more lucrative markets. The only on-air presenters who make a comparatively good wage here are the anchors and the primary weather presenters. Bottom line, do yourselves a favor and lower your expectations concerning local TV news reporting. These kids are just doing what they are being told. They are not journalists.

Author

Francis Rullan

Date

2011-09-21T10:34:20-06:00

ID

165013

Comment

This email just came from Chane's folks, verbatim: Swello, If you weren't aware of the story that WAPT ran last week on how "controversial" our t-shirts were, then be sure to check out the WAPT facebook (http://www.facebook.com/16wapt?ref=ts#!/16wapt) and watch the video on Wapt.com (http://www.wapt.com/video/29173552/detail.html) In response to all the feedback WAPT got from their negative story, they are running a second follow-up story tonight that they assure us will be a more postive take on what we are doing for Jackson. Be sure to check us out at 5, 6, and 10. With all the buzz from last weeks "controversy" we ran a little low on some of your favorite designs. Therefore, we are currently reprinting: Lake Caroline Swingers Club King Edward (also in 3/4 sleeve and Longsleeve) Iron Horse Grill SouthJX - stealin' your sh!t fast! (also in 3/4 sleeve and Longsleeve) Jaxxon (also in 3/4 sleeve and Longsleeve) Metallica 7 MODSUSHI designs On a more positive note, Julianne Moore now sports our MODSUSHI line. She hit us up for 3 t-shirts this past weekend in New York City. We are running a new, super special sale on our Oxford tees - 1 for $10, and 3 for $20 - That's buy 2 get one free!

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2011-09-21T15:07:19-06:00

ID

165014

Comment

South Jackson - Stealin' your sh!t fast! -- NOT A FAN!!!! What's positive about that? How does that in any fashion lend to a "positive" Jackson? It does however meet well what critics say about South Jackson.

Author

Queen601

Date

2011-09-21T15:44:30-06:00