#local 58

Local 58 is an analog horror series by Kris Straib about the strange broadcasts that appear on the TV channel Local 58 in Point Pleasant, West Virginia. It was one of the pioneers of analog horror along with Marble Hornets and Gemini Home Entertainment. Contingency is the second episode of Local 58 and opens with a message saying that Local 58 will stop broadcasting for the day at 3am, then transitions to the national anthem as the broadcast ends. Suddenly, the broadcast cuts and starts to show a message from “Department of the Preservation of American Dignity” claiming that America has been conquered by a foreign power while a warped version of the same national anthem plays, randomly speeding up and slowing down.

“The worst has come to pass

Despite the sacrifices of our citizens and the might of our armed forces, the UNITED STATES has been forced to surrender to her enemy

Though they may occupy our borders, our streets, and our homes… the enemy will never occupy our SPIRIT

This is why all Americans are now called upon to ACT… to preserve the memory of the United States, clear and bright… untarnished and uncompromised.

Know that I have already TAKEN ACTION in the company of my family and loved ones. Now all AMERICANS-every man, woman, and child-are called upon to ACT before the moment passed by.

Let our united resolve echo through history; even in defeat we refused to yield.

Even in defeat we claim VICTORY”

It then goes on to say that it is a privilege to be called upon and starts to say phrases like “You take America with you” “We will each be remembered” “There is nothing to fear” “The time has come” “Join your neighbors, your family, your god” while giving detailed instructions on how one should properly kill themself. It continues and says that law enforcement has been ordered to “ensure your compliance” Under this it states “This message will repeat until there is no one left to read it” It recommends that if they have time, Americans should take the “Victory Position”

Front lawn

Face up

Feet Together

“Regarding Your Children

Tend to them before yourself

Use a calm tone of voice

Everyone can do their part”

Just before the message ends, the phrases “Infants and pets, the smallest patriots” and “The 51st State is not a Place” flash on screen, then the broadcast cuts again to show a Local 58 Technical Difficulties screen. A correction is then issued for the government message, stating that it was a hoax and they “apologize for any confusion that may have resulted,” With this, the video ends.

This has stuck with me for years.

The way it is framed as preserving American Dignity to commit mass suicide.

The appeal to religion to get people to comply.

The constant phrases to make it sound like a moral duty.

And the reveal it is all a hoax.

The implications of the government having this message.

How many people saw the message?

How many people listened?

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