We're Human Too!
What a week! Not just this week, but last week as well. From the Whitley Fuel fire to the man who jumped off the Monroe Street Bridge, it's really been a sad couple of days. And then yesterday tragedy hit at the Genesis Mine in Troy, MT. Mike Ivins, a mine mechanic died in a rock fall. It's truly terrible. My thoughts are with his family and fellow miners. Covering each story has brought up an important issue about reporter motives. In the past week I have found myself defending (to others) why we cover certain stories and if we even really care about the situation at hand. Of course we care! Of course I care! True, I am there to get the facts about what's going on and find out who I can talk to- that's part of the job. But, I'm also a human being who is truly concered about the well being of those involved. Too often I think people view reporters as emotionless robots. That's simply not the case. We can be objective and human at the same time.
Comments
A free and vigilant media is one of the most important foundations of our nation. Our press protects those without a voice, shines a light on injustice, and brings accountability to our government and corporate leaders. It also serves as the voice of our community and often protects the health and well-being of our citizens (such as the safety warnings included with the Whitley Fuel fire). Sometimes we have to hear stories that are hard to hear, but they need to be heard for the greater good. If a dialog is started over an issue such as the poor soul who jumped off the Monroe Street bridge, perhaps someone else who is feeling hopeless or lost will be able to share their pain or get help.
We are very lucky in this country to have the freedoms our press is granted. We should support their courageous efforts to get us the truth and not blame the messenger when the message is hard to take.
I fully support KXLY covering the stories it covers, and have always thought they do so in a respectable and non-sensationalist manner. I think the reporters also deserve high praise for being able to cover very hard events and issues in an objective manner when sometimes the issue at hand is heart wrenching or infuriating.
Posted by: Matthew Callier | August 9, 2007 06:13 AM