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Newspapers mission: Provide accurate info

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  • Originally published May 2, 2008 at 5:37 p.m., updated May 2, 2008 at 5:37 p.m.

Editor, the Advocate:

I find a lot of the Advocate becoming sillier every day. Maybe it's my age or my journalism background, but I am under the impression that the mission of a newspaper, other than making money, is to provide authentic, researched information to the public it serves.

How, then, does the "Question of the Day" fit this mission when mostly uninformed coffee drinkers are asked to give an opinion on a subject about which they have no knowledge? What does that serve?

And the call-in opinions are routinely uninformed, mostly shooting from the hip sound bites. The call-in feature does, however, give "Bill" from Woodsboro an opportunity to spout his over-the-top political leanings on a once or, occasionally, twice-daily basis.

That way, he doesn't have to wait a month between his letters to the editor to provide readers with the knowledge that he would vote for a jackass (or Jimmy Carter again) if it was running on the Democratic ticket.

I know you have to compete with TV these days and most newspapers are going to a style started by USA Today, but is it necessary to resort to the lowest common denominator to do that?

Tom Eastland

Victoria



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Comments

  • maryann maryann Report a ViolationReport a Violation Permalink  | 

    I really like the quotes from the ranging reporter and the quotes from the people calling in.
    Some of them are funnier than the comics, and it's like you hear your "Aunt Hazel" or your nosey neighbor. It's a snapshot of who we are in the readership.
    Southtexas I agree on your assessment.

    May 3, 2008 at 9:27 p.m.
  • urbanangel urbanangel Report a ViolationReport a Violation Permalink  | 

    I don't really have a problem with the "ranging reporter" or the polls and such. It's interesting to see what the "common folk" think about local issues.

    What irritates me is when they get the information WRONG and when they misquote people. Happens all the time.

    May 3, 2008 at 8:58 a.m.
  • southtexas southtexas Report a ViolationReport a Violation Permalink  | 

    OMG....the sun shall stop it's journey across the sky and the snowdrifts will accumulate in hell.....I am going to agree with Mike. See Mike.....everyone agrees on at least one or two things.

    Come on Tom....lighten up a bit. Both the roving reporter and Bill Kennedy can be humorous and entertaining. Enjoy both when they are and ignore the rest.

    Newspapers are meant to keep us informed....they are also meant to allow both the idiot and the informed a venue to express opinions and ideas...and they are to entertain us...don't tell me you don't read the comics.

    May 2, 2008 at 9:37 p.m.
  • ChrisCobler ChrisCobler Report a ViolationReport a Violation Permalink  | 

    Here's the e-mail I sent to Mr. Eastland regarding his letter:

    -------------

    Dear Mr. Eastland,

    Thank you for writing. We have made it easier to readers to comment about the news of the day. Our goal is to get readers more engaged in the news and to see themselves in their hometown newspaper.

    I agree with you that some of these comments are not as informed as they could be and that we should do a better job of editing out the repeat callers. We'll be discussing this point going forward.

    You're right that the primary mission of any business is to make money and stay in business. Of course, a newspaper has a special additional mission of engaging readers in our democracy. We think it's fundamental that people remain interested in current events to understand the world
    around them and participate in our governance.

    Again, we appreciate you taking the time to let us know what you like in your hometown newspaper. We know that we will improve by listening toour readers. If you ever have any story suggestions or other ideas, please don't hesitate to get back in touch with me.

    Sincerely,

    Chris Cobler
    Editor
    Victoria Advocate
    361-574-1271

    ---------------

    Mr. Eastland sent back a pleasant response. I thank him for the discussion.

    May 2, 2008 at 5:57 p.m.
  • Mike Mike Report a ViolationReport a Violation Permalink  | 

    The ranging reporter and the “question of the day” is such a small segment,  of our newspaper. I don't think it takes any credibility away from the Victoria Advocate.
    This article seems to be more about Bill Kennedy…

    May 2, 2008 at 5:32 p.m.