WBT News Director Mark Garrison has been in the spotlight for his recent interview with White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. He’s now defending his actions after pushback from the White House.
Garrison conducted a phone interview with Jean-Pierre ahead of President Biden’s visit to North Carolina. During the interview, he asked the Press Secretary if the President has dementia, stating the question was prompted by those who heard he would be speaking with Jean-Pierre.
In her response, she stated “I can’t even believe you’re asking me this question. It is incredibly insulting,” before asking Garrison for his next question. Later in the interview, she said “And with that, Mark, thank you so much. Have an amazing, amazing day,” and ended the call.
The White House alleges that WBT was given seven minutes to speak with Jean-Pierre, and the time was up. It also claims that the station edited in a dial tone for dramatic effect, arguing that its phones do not have dial tones when a call is ended.
Mark Garrison appeared on The Ingraham Angle on Fox News Wednesday to discuss the matter, and defended his actions.
“I knew — as you know, doing interviews through the years — you’re going to get a lot of talking points,” Garrison told Ingraham. “So I thought if I can just ask a couple of questions, maybe we’d make a little news, maybe get a sound bite out of her. I just decided to ask her about all the concern here in North Carolina. Even 45% of Democrats are concerned about Biden’s mental state, so I thought ‘Ok, I brought that up to her.’ She somewhat dismissed that. And then I just said, ‘Ok, well, does he have dementia?’ And I was surprised that she was so offended.”
Garrison added that Jean-Pierre sidestepped the question for a specific reason.
“What she did was take us down a bumpy dirt road, because she went on to say, ‘Well, every year, the White House physician examines the president and puts out a detailed report.’ Well, I went back and looked at all of those detail reports. It talks about his heartburn, it talks about his limp, it talks about his heart, it talks about his stomach, but there’s nothing in those reports about his mental capacity.”
When asked if he altered the audio to add a dial tone for dramatic effect, the WBT anchor shared his displeasure with the insinuation.
“To quote Karine, I’m offended that she would suggest that. We don’t add sound effects to news stories. When she hit the button to disconnect, we got a dial tone. We didn’t add any drama to it.”
He concluded by stating the he aired the unedited interview, despite what the White House claimed.
Frances Davies
October 13, 2022 at 7:25 pm
I listened to Dick when I lived in Chicago on WBBM in the 80s
Frances Davies
October 13, 2022 at 7:25 pm
I listened to Dick when I lived in Chicago on WBBM in the 80s
John R Pavone
October 14, 2022 at 12:21 am
I would tune into Dick more for his delightful rapport with Vicky and Jennifer than the news content.
For me, his warmth and integrity came across the airwaves to help set the tone for the day ahead and somehow made the chaos of the world more manageable.
Torben Pedersen
October 14, 2022 at 8:40 am
Thank you, Dick … for joining me on my daily drive to work … for the last 24 years … It has been a pleasure listening to you … A the best yo you with your retirement …
Torben Pedersen
October 14, 2022 at 8:40 am
Thank you, Dick … for joining me on my daily drive to work … for the last 24 years … It has been a pleasure listening to you … A the best yo you with your retirement …
Judge Robert Rassp
October 14, 2022 at 10:05 am
Your journalistic style and informative voice brought me to work for a long commute every weekday morning for the last 24 years.
Judge Robert Rassp
October 14, 2022 at 10:05 am
Your journalistic style and informative voice brought me to work for a long commute every weekday morning for the last 24 years.
Robert Barajas
October 14, 2022 at 10:48 am
Been nice listening to you dick I listen the early morning news Your Voice Sounds like a rough cowboy has that cowboy voice sounds real good on the radio but your visual face looks humble and gentle LOL LOL okay dick make sure you start off with a nice vacation on your retirement many blessings to you and your family
Robert Barajas
October 14, 2022 at 10:48 am
Been nice listening to you dick I listen the early morning news Your Voice Sounds like a rough cowboy has that cowboy voice sounds real good on the radio but your visual face looks humble and gentle LOL LOL okay dick make sure you start off with a nice vacation on your retirement many blessings to you and your family
Harrison
October 14, 2022 at 11:13 am
Never Seen the Face behind the Pleaseing voice Until today, Your voice matches your look, Enjoy retirement, Going to miss you
Harrison
October 14, 2022 at 11:13 am
Never Seen the Face behind the Pleaseing voice Until today, Your voice matches your look, Enjoy retirement, Going to miss you
Francisco
October 14, 2022 at 11:25 am
I will miss you Sr
Francisco
October 14, 2022 at 11:25 am
I will miss you Sr
June sheets
October 14, 2022 at 11:39 am
Will miss hearing your voice but very happy for you!!
June sheets
October 14, 2022 at 11:39 am
Will miss hearing your voice but very happy for you!!
Jim
October 14, 2022 at 12:33 pm
He’s one of those voices that are part of your life. Radio will not be the same without you. Enjoy your retirement.
Jim
October 14, 2022 at 12:33 pm
He’s one of those voices that are part of your life. Radio will not be the same without you. Enjoy your retirement.
Olga
October 14, 2022 at 12:56 pm
Dick Helton, congratulations on your retirement!!
I am a native Angelino and have listened to you since your hire date on
KNX NEWS 1070 AM.
I will miss your professional delivery and detailed information of our news and the kindness in your voice.
You hold our hand as we listen, while you help us comprehend, and you ease the anxiety of our constant changing and challenging times.
And with the positive news, you bring charm and wit.
Olga
October 14, 2022 at 12:56 pm
Dick Helton, congratulations on your retirement!!
I am a native Angelino and have listened to you since your hire date on
KNX NEWS 1070 AM.
I will miss your professional delivery and detailed information of our news and the kindness in your voice.
You hold our hand as we listen, while you help us comprehend, and you ease the anxiety of our constant changing and challenging times.
And with the positive news, you bring charm and wit.
Scheryl
October 14, 2022 at 1:06 pm
Driving Ive had to pull over….could not hold back the tears…. What will we do now. All the Best #DickHelton
Scheryl
October 14, 2022 at 1:06 pm
Driving Ive had to pull over….could not hold back the tears…. What will we do now. All the Best #DickHelton
Charlie
October 14, 2022 at 1:08 pm
Thank you Mr Belton for all holding politician accountable during your interview with them.
Charlie
October 14, 2022 at 1:08 pm
Thank you Mr Belton for all holding politician accountable during your interview with them.
Neda
October 14, 2022 at 1:16 pm
I listened to you every morning driving to work and today I couldn’t stop my tears. You will be missed. ❤️
Neda
October 14, 2022 at 1:16 pm
I listened to you every morning driving to work and today I couldn’t stop my tears. You will be missed. ❤️
Carol C.
October 14, 2022 at 2:06 pm
I’ll miss waking up with you in the morning. Your mellifluous voice and vast wealth of knowledge were a great start to my mornings.
I know you will love being retired – especially being able to sleep in every morning. I wish you safe and happy travels and a long and joyous retirement.
Carol C.
October 14, 2022 at 2:06 pm
I’ll miss waking up with you in the morning. Your mellifluous voice and vast wealth of knowledge were a great start to my mornings.
I know you will love being retired – especially being able to sleep in every morning. I wish you safe and happy travels and a long and joyous retirement.
Sally H
October 14, 2022 at 7:30 pm
It has been my pleasure listening to you. I will miss not waking up to your voice and enlightenments on current news! Thank you for your contributions.
Sally H
October 14, 2022 at 7:30 pm
It has been my pleasure listening to you. I will miss not waking up to your voice and enlightenments on current news! Thank you for your contributions.