I will certainly defer to your first-hand experience regarding publishers/owners and reporters.

I was holding up the author of that particular column as an example of a class of “journalist” who’s members retreat from the world, do not dig for stories, and are truly out of touch. They do not see their own competition in any sort of objective way – and certain not as evidence of their own shortcomings. They do not, of course, represent all journalists, but the fact that they are tolerated by the industry is disconcerting.

Sammy

So this is where I disagree with ya a little, Sammy – it’s the publishers and owners, not the reporters for the most part, who drive bad journalism (or rather, non-existent journalism). When the Star got Jane Amari, ho-boy, did I hear lots behind the scenes from the reporters who jumped ship when she started making newsgathering a by-committee effort (seriously again – news “teams” gathered news and editorial “teams” decided how it should be presented). A few of the really good reporters who stuck it out through her ill-fated reign (did you hear the rumor, she’s actually running papers for WICK, in Willcox!??) cried many a tear in many a beer over the lack of freedom to write real stuff. Even with Amari gone, the Star persists in strange journalism. This one female reporter who sounds at least 12 on the phone, persists in writing these bizarre crime news stories dripping emotion about not the victime but the perp. Usually these stories involve a cop shooting someone who deserved to be shot, if that give you a clue. I wrote and asked when emoticon-of-the-day was a standin for real crime reporting, but never got an answer . . .

The newspaper here in Milwaukee is a prime example of media arrogance. When there is bad economic news, it makes the front page above the fold; when the economic news is good, it’s on page 3 of the Business Section. There are blockbuster stories here in Wisconsin concerning the Democratic vote fraud and ethics probes of our wonderful governor, but the largest paper in the state had to be dragged kicking and screaming by bloggers and radio talk show hosts into finally covering them. And their editorial stance is to brush off the vote fraud as “petty shenanigans.”

So if the journalists want to take a year off, have at it, you won’t be missed. The only thing better is when our government is in recess. That’s the only time I know my rights and my wallet are safe.

Regards.