Bangor Daily News... (Portland, Calais: city hall, school, stations) - Maine (ME) - Page 4 - City-Data Forum

moughie · 02-18-2009, 07:25 PM

Remember Americangirl? It would be interesting to hear her opinion on this matter as she works for the Ellsworth American, a great independent minded newspaper. She used to post quite regularly on this forum.

American girl · 02-19-2009, 09:27 AM

On comments that the media reports only bad news.... We all define good news differently but from the 12/18/09 BDN these are some of the stories, in my opinion, that constitute good news or neutral "need to know" news:

big drop in staph superbugs, MDI Swim team state champs, It's tourney time, WVII goes digitial, Heating oil price drops 2 cents, Hospital keeps accreditation, Shipping workshop scheduled, Jackson lab develops...kit, Bangor Y taps local man for CEO, Piscataqis County has new manager, Former Sugarloaf owner now at helm of Saddleback, all the sports news, all the lifestyle features.

What we often mean when we say there is no "good news" is that there is no good news that is of interest to me. General interest newspapers must present a buffet for readers. If you don't like lima beans news of the MDI swim team for example) you're not going to enjoy the meal. The focus on news only of interest to me is what makes the web so popular with news hounds. Reading a general interest newspaper, however, exposes us to news we may not know we need or will be interested in.

As for accuracy in reporting all I can say is that, in my own local experience, editors and reporters are hard working, honest individuals who don't set out in the morning with the goal of being inaccurate, lying, sneaky jerks. Sure mistakes are made and mistakes are corrected. Often, though, it's a question of perspective or opinion. At the American we run every letter, take every call and entertain every visitor with a question or complaint. We are going to see you this afternoon at our kids' soccer game or in the grocery store. You are are our neighbors and friends. We have no reason - or desire - to lie about you or undermine you in the newspaper.

Media people hang their laundry out to dry every day for the whole world to comment on. We welcome those comments - both positive and negative.

moughie · 02-19-2009, 10:54 AM

Thanks so much American girl for checking in and posting!!

cebdark · 02-19-2009, 11:54 AM

[quote=American girl;7532382]

As for accuracy in reporting all I can say is that, in my own local experience, editors and reporters are hard working, honest individuals who don't set out in the morning with the goal of being inaccurate, lying, sneaky jerks. Sure mistakes are made and mistakes are corrected. Often, though, it's a question of perspective or opinion. At the American we run every letter, take every call and entertain every visitor with a question or complaint. We are going to see you this afternoon at our kids' soccer game or in the grocery store. You are are our neighbors and friends. We have no reason - or desire - to lie about you or undermine you in the newspaper.quote]

I think that the emphasis on local is a good point as I don't think it's quite as bad here. National media seems to have more flash - a lot of "fluff and no stuff" so-to-speak. Fancy graphics, and fast-moving sound bites don't make for very deep reporting or allow enough time for accuracy IMOH

.

I don't think that all reporters have it out for being dishonest (of course there's always one or two who may "embellish" a story somewhat), but I think that it's more of a manic rush of "first-upmanship" and what sells.

It's unfortunate because as casper said, many journalists are at the mercy of the editor, and human nature being what it is, what sells papers is paramount to their survival. I don't think that BDN is any different in that regard. I do tend to sift through the comments to see if there is anything other than sophomoric commentary

that may glint more accurate info. Once and a while there is. I guess this is where we need to use our own judgement.

Thanks for the commentary American girl.

American girl · 02-19-2009, 01:45 PM

I think that the emphasis on local is a good point as I don't think it's quite as bad here. National media seems to have more flash - a lot of "fluff and no stuff" so-to-speak. Fancy graphics, and fast-moving sound bites don't make for very deep reporting or allow enough time for accuracy IMOH.

The broadcast media people that I have met, including Walter Cronkite, will tell you that television is an entertainment medium.

AustinB · 02-19-2009, 03:14 PM

When I was on the local planning board and we had a local reporter, who has since left and made a poor run for the senate, I couldn't believe that she and I were at the same planning board meetings. What was written up often had little to do with what was happening at the meeting.

Even local, small town reporters can have bias that shows in their writing.

Casper1212 · 02-19-2009, 05:00 PM

If you don't think television news is in it for the entertainment value, just watch CNN for a few hours, with all their "guest specialists" and the way they play up the sensationalism angle on any story. I'm sick of seeing people tried by Headline News before they even get arrested. Unfortunately, they seem to be eveybody's "go to" for immediate info, no matter how much critical info they leave out or how much irrelevant dirt they dig up. Even my usually intelligent hubby swallows their crap most of the time.

cebdark · 02-19-2009, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Casper1212

If you don't think television news is in it for the entertainment value, just watch CNN for a few hours, with all their "guest specialists" and the way they play up the sensationalism angle on any story. I'm sick of seeing people tried by Headline News before they even get arrested. Unfortunately, they seem to be eveybody's "go to" for immediate info, no matter how much critical info they leave out or how much irrelevant dirt they dig up. Even my usually intelligent hubby swallows their crap most of the time.

Yes, if I heard Nancy Grace (I think it was her) say the words "Tot Mom" one more time, my TV would have been sling-shot through my front window, and planted on my front lawn.

Thankfully, whatever one thinks about BDN, it's not as bad as HN.

msina · 02-19-2009, 05:48 PM

How about "Octo-Mom"? lol............... Now that's one that I could do without.

American girl · 02-20-2009, 05:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AustinB

When I was on the local planning board and we had a local reporter, who has since left and made a poor run for the senate, I couldn't believe that she and I were at the same planning board meetings. What was written up often had little to do with what was happening at the meeting.

Even local, small town reporters can have bias that shows in their writing.

did she work for us? I've been here so long I have trouble remembering sometimes

I know she worked for the BDN.

Did you call the paper and voice your concerns? Those calls are welcomed and appreciated just as they are when someone's concerned about an employee or product of any business.