Taking on New Adventures

Apparently I hit a few nerves with my post. And I’m ok with that but feel there is some clarity on what I wrote that’s needed. So here goes:

–I wasn’t directing that post at any one news organization. It’s about the business as a whole. News coverage has gone downhill, but that discussion is for a different day, really. I have much to say on that. 

–I also wasn’t directing it at any one reporter/producer/photojournalist. Often the work being done is at the direction of higher ups, sitting in their chairs in their office. It’s a directive, not a “would you like to”. I just long for the day when the power is in the hands of those at the scene, even if it’s a “This doesn’t feel right”. 

–Really, really good journalism is being done these days, especially with this situation in California. However the bad and exploitive stuff is what’s rising to the top, not the cream. 

–I know that the media cannot stop reporting on the shooters and the potential threats out there. But man, it’d be nice if the lead story was about the heroes of the shooting, not the jerks who did it. 

–And yes, I would love it if we did it give this terrorist organization any coverage. That would be a beautiful thing. But it’s not real life, sadly.

Finally, I don’t envy being out there. I know first hand what it’s like. I’ve covered my fair share of shootings in the field. I made the decision after Sandy Hook to leave news. It was difficult as disappointing that I couldn’t end my career I the field I loved so much. But I had to do what’s right for me. And I’m happy with that decision.