KNN Review: Questions of Fairness at The Avenal Press

As the Founder and Chief of Editors at Kings Network News, I believe it is my responsibility to speak openly about issues that affect the credibility of local journalism in our communities. Recently, concerns have been raised about the Avenal Press, which presents itself as an independent news outlet in the City of Avenal. On the surface, their page appears to be a community platform, but closer review has raised questions about its neutrality during the city’s heated recall campaign.

In my review, I found signs of alignment with recall supporters that create the appearance of one-sided coverage. At a time when Avenal is in the middle of a contentious recall effort against sitting council members, any outlet that claims independence should be demonstrating balance. When reporting leans toward one side, it undermines trust and raises doubts about fairness.

As it stands, I still believe the Avenal Press has not demonstrated fairness. One example is their Top Fan badge for Kings County Firefighters Local 3747, which can be seen in the screenshots at the end of this article. While some may dismiss this as a small detail, it matters because it shows consistent interaction and support for one side of the recall effort. For an outlet that claims to be independent, even the appearance of favoritism raises questions. Independence means providing a platform for both sides, not showing affiliation or engagement that signals alignment with one group.

Why is this important? Because these decisions are not abstract. This recall issue is directly affecting the City of Avenal, its council members, and its mayor. Real people’s lives and reputations are at stake. When media coverage is not fair, it impacts families, careers, and the trust that citizens place in journalism. That is why transparency and balance are non-negotiable.

Kings Network News has always welcomed diverse voices in the Central Valley media landscape. In fact, I even gave the Avenal Press the opportunity to share regular posts on the Kings Network News, Kings County Facebook page so that citizens would know another outlet was active in their town. My mission has always been to inform residents across the Valley, not to silence competing perspectives. Unfortunately, instead of embracing transparency, the Avenal Press has not yet shown clear evidence of providing equal space for both sides of this important issue.

I recently had direct communication with Carlos Saldanado, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of the Avenal Press. During our conversation, I told him that if he would publish a statement showing that he has tried to contact the mayor or any city council member facing recall, it would demonstrate fairness in this situation. As of the time I am writing this article, he has not yet taken that step.

I also told Carlos that if he does this, if he publishes on his page that he tried to get a public statement from the mayor or from any city council members facing recall, I would make a public statement myself affirming that he is demonstrating fairness and journalistic credibility. That step would open the door for both of our outlets to make a joint statement affirming that journalism must have the utmost integrity. Such cooperation would show the community that Kings Network News and the Avenal Press are willing to lead together in creating an environment of fairness, accountability, and transparency in local journalism.

At one point, I asked Carlos directly, “If you had the opportunity to ask the mayor questions directly, what would you ask him? I will confront him myself and ask those questions, because I believe the people of Avenal deserve clear and honest answers.” When I asked him that question, I did not receive a response.

At the end of the day, my goal is simple: to show transparency. This recall issue is directly affecting the City of Avenal, its council members, and its mayor. The community deserves to see both sides of the story. As journalists, our responsibility is to highlight that transparency must always come first.

We may disagree or view things differently when it comes to how information is being shared with the public in Avenal. At the end of the day, my purpose in writing this article is not to decide for the community but to make sure citizens have access to the facts. It is ultimately up to the people of Avenal to draw their own conclusions. This issue is not just about today, it is about decisions that will impact the community for a generation or two to come.

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Kings Network News will continue to press for transparency and accountability. I will revise and update our reporting as new information becomes available, and I will hold myself and my outlet to the same standard I ask of others. The people of Avenal deserve facts, fairness, and the full truth.

Screenshots referenced in this article are provided at the end for the public to review.

Francisco Ramirez
Founder and Chief of Editors
Kings Network News