The Inlander/July 2011

Civic organizations are the fabric of our communities. The number of groups and their range of contributions mean editors are routinely approached with requests for coverage. The “asks” range from the Lions Club annual brat feed fund-raiser to volunteer of the year recognition to a candidate forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters.

Most all are worthy of attention, but not all warrant the presence of a reporter and/or photographer. Let me explain before incurring the collective wrath of service clubs.

The Inlander/June 2011

A couple gets a divorce, but it is not recorded in the newspaper until four months later.

Someone appears in court for a domestic assault; the sentence isn't reported in the newspaper until weeks after the fact.

Their publication raises two questions: What constitutes these items as news? Why is there such a delay in the report?

Publishers' Auxiliary/June 2011

A resident has failed to comply with the law that requires him to register as a sex offender. The crime occurred seven years ago, and he is married to the county’s director of child protection services.

A bomb threat is called in to a school, and authorities issue a press release; nothing was found. The police chief later asks the newspaper to kill the story because he’s worried about copy cats.

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.