Tough week
Things here have been pretty bleak. We had layoffs yesterday. Rob and I escaped, but we had friends who worked here a long time who got cut. I feel like I'm watching the demise of an entire industry.
But it's more than just an industry, and being a reporter is more than just a job. We felt like we had a higher calling: to be watchdogs of government and big business, to dig out the truth and to inform the public. We have been the children of the First Amendment.
Now most papers have too few people in the newsroom to do any investigative reporting. We can report on government meetings, but we can't dig any deeper. We can write about the new office building being put up, but not on the dealings that helped it get permits in spite of height restrictions or zoning laws.
In the end, government and big business will be able to do what they want, unfettered by the press looking over them. Actually, they pretty much do already.
But it's more than just an industry, and being a reporter is more than just a job. We felt like we had a higher calling: to be watchdogs of government and big business, to dig out the truth and to inform the public. We have been the children of the First Amendment.
Now most papers have too few people in the newsroom to do any investigative reporting. We can report on government meetings, but we can't dig any deeper. We can write about the new office building being put up, but not on the dealings that helped it get permits in spite of height restrictions or zoning laws.
In the end, government and big business will be able to do what they want, unfettered by the press looking over them. Actually, they pretty much do already.
Comment
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Comment by Chris Hadley on August 1, 2009 at 10:31pm -
What you people at that paper need to realize is that you are getting pink slips due to falling subscriptions.
The falling numbrs of subscriptions is because people don't like what you are selling.
What you are selling is the typical leftist liberal drivel that was around in the 60's.
The product you sell has no buyers!
Every idiot who has ever studied any marketing at all knows that when customers don't like your product you are doomed.
You and your co-workers have your heads buried in the sand and think that we want what you are selling. WE DON'T!
Get with the program, report real news that reflects the area you work in and readership will rise.
BE BOLD AND GO AGAINST THE GRAIN OF YOUR PEERS.
REPORT CONSERVATIVE VIEWPOINTS AS REAL AND NOT AS SOMETHING TO DISPARAGE.
Frankly, I have no sympathy for the newspaper organizations.
We the consumers don't trust your reporting as it is so influenced by your politics.
You, a supporter and member of Moveon.org
Isn't that a conflict with journalistic integrety?
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