The Press-Citizen ran a page-one story and photo last week to recognize Shelter House’s (a community shelter) first year. The photo shows a mother with one of her young children at dinner time inside the shelter. But much of the caption was wrong, although it seemed right. Continue reading
Author Archives: Robert
News: ‘No Comment’
What if news organizations closed all online story comments? Is it too late to turn them off? Continue reading
Kill City Council Coverage
Why do journalists cover the City Council? I am not asking about any one publication or place, but in general and maybe more specific to local communities. What says that covering the Council is a good editorial decision? Is it the riveting photos? The great b-roll? Continue reading
Paterno’s kids needed the news
This press gaggle/flash mob/media orgy, whatever it was from the other night following news that Penn State’s famous Coach Paterno may be pushed out after allegations of sexual abuse within his program offers a very interesting snapshot of the interaction between fans, news media, sports journalists (yes, I offer them as separate institutions) and sports stars, such as Paterno. Continue reading
“Fair and balanced” isn’t fun
Local media outlets have covered Occupy Iowa City as 1) a phenomenon to be explored through wonder and amazement, 2) as a chance to meet “real people” through shiny personal profiles, and 3) as a grassroots/underdog storyline of citizens v. local government when the city demanded protestors comply with codes, permits, and other “restrictions.”
So perhaps in an attempt to seem “fair and balanced” in covering an admittedly progressive cause, this Daily Iowan story looks at the downside to public protest. Its headline: “Occupy Iowa City: Neighbors call protest ‘disruptive.'” Continue reading