An official with the North American Meat Institute took the stand Tuesday in the defamation trial between Beef Products Incorporated and ABC News. The Dakota-Dunes based meat company claims ABC News and network correspondent Jim Avila disparaged its lean, finely textured beef product by using the term ‘pink slime’ in network reports. South Dakota Public Broadcasting’s Jeremy Ludemann reports.
Janet Riley testified that the North American Meat Institute is a trade organization for meat companies and suppliers. Riley is the institute’s senior vice president of Public Affairs. She said her responsibilities include serving as a media spokesperson and issuing press releases.
Riley testified that she exchanged emails with ABC producer Brian Hartman on several occasions in March 2012. Prior to the network airing a report on BPI’s product on March 7th, Riley said she sent a statement and a video to Hartman on the organization’s position on lean, finely textured beef – but she testified that the information was not included on the broadcast. The story is currently on ABC’s website and does not include statements from Riley or the North American Meat Institute.
ABC World News Tonight anchor Diane Sawyer introduced that story as a “startling investigation.” During direct examination by BPI attorney Julie Bauer, Riley said that the report by ABC’s Jim Avila was inaccurate:
“Bauer: What information do you recall providing that would be inconsistent with the stunning and startling investigation? Riley: Well, we provided extensive information including that it was not true that [LFTB] it was only intended for dog food and for cooking oil. We talked about the fact that USDA approved it [LFTB] and used it in many bullet points.”
The N-A-M-I also put out additional statements saying ‘pink slime’ was a biased phrase that journalists should avoid.
On cross-examination, ABC attorney Dane Butswinkas argued the network did allow a place on its website for the trade organization’s views to be presented. Riley reiterated that the World News broadcast never featured the information she sent to ABC. That led to further questioning from Butswinkas:
“Butswinkas: My question was – that posting on the ABC website – included a link to the website – meatmythcrushers.com. Riley:That is true. B: And, it also included a link to a fact sheet you provided on foodinsight dot org. R: That is correct.”
Jury deliberations are set to begin in late July. BPI is claiming $1.9 billion in actual damages in this case. If the company wins, that figure may be tripled under South Dakota’s Agricultural Food Products Disparagement Act. For South Dakota Public Broadcasting, I’m Jeremy Ludemann.