The Inlander/May 2011

Newsrooms place a premium on ensuring that government is transparent in its decisions. When elected and appointed officials fall short, a commentary is almost sure to follow.

The Inlander/April 2011

Stories about employers and employees have a big impact on communities. What happens at the workplace might even overshadow a decision of the local city council. Today’s challenging economy warrants even greater attention to business as an everyday beat.

Yet, many newspapers struggle for consistent coverage of local business.

Publishers' Auxiliary/April 2011

The 2010 elections are in the rearview mirror. The newly elected lawmakers have settled into their routines, and newsrooms are focusing on the news of the day. For most editors and reporters, the next cycle of elections is likely not within sight and therefore out of mind.

The question for newsrooms: Should elections take a permanent back seat until the next filing period opens?

The Inlander/March 2011

The Inlander/February 2011

The complaint is frequent and directed at nearly all newspapers: Your editorial is “biased.”

The complaint misses the point that editorials, by definition, advance a singular point of view. In a way, editorials are similar to courtroom arguments. Opposing attorneys may begin with the same set of facts but are selective in what they use to try to persuade jurors to reach a certain conclusion.

Publishers' Auxiliary/ Feburary 2011

An individual charges two police officers with assault. The story was carried prominently on Page One in the local newspaper.

It prompted the question: Will the follow-up story, especially if the officers are acquitted, receive similar prominence?

The comment goes to the heart of fairness and credibility of the press. The point commands attention in all newsrooms, especially those that are aggressive in coverage of cops and courts.

The Inlander/January 2011
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Remember when you interviewed for a job? You likely had a list of “dos” and “don’ts” firmly ingrained in preparation for the line of questioning.

Among the dos, dress appropriately and be on time. Among the don’ts, avoid rambling answers and be wary of combative responses.

The Inlander/December 2010

A brainstorming session on business news inevitably revolves around the familiar Main Street stories. A hardware store celebrates its grand opening. An Italian restaurant opens, the first of its kind in the community. A florist celebrates its 25th anniversary.

Publishers' Auxiliary/December 2010

Most reporters can likely relate to this scenario. Someone appears before a city council or other governing board to unleash criticism about an individual or organization. Reporters have little difficulty presenting a balanced report – recording all sides of the story – if the accused is at the meeting.

But what happens if the individual is not present? And what if deadlines do not permit time to get the other side of the argument?

The Inlander/November 2010

The phrase is familiar, “There’s nothing worse than a reformed smoker.” Here’s my version, “There’s nothing worse than a retired editor.”

The premise of this column: Editors and reporters must be well grounded in the basics of journalism if newspapers are to remain relevant. In other words, present the news in a manner that engages readers – especially in public affairs reporting.