Today’s essay was written by a friend of The Wordwright, JC Lamanna, of Syracuse, New York, who questions the din of modern reporters.

Where Have All the Reporters Gone?

I am sick unto death of coverage of the presidential nominating process. It's as though there is no other news in the world. And it points up the scarcity of competent news people who recognize there are more significant developments in our world and lives than this single, often nonsensical process.

I spent many years in news and public relations. One major lesson I learned is this: When reporters and editors want to find an easy way to fill space and time, they take what is easily available. Like news releases and speeches coined specifically to attract the lazy folks who are responsible for coverage.

What is lacking is the ability or the will to DIG for news. To seek out what is new, what is significant behind the handouts, what constitutes a broader spectrum of events that matter in the entire world. But, good grief, this would entail legwork, some intelligent understanding, a talent to ferret out what is important and meaningful to the lives of readers, viewers and listeners.

Apparently, news people capable of this kind of meaningful reporting are in exceedingly short supply.

++++++++++++++++

THANK YOU, JC Lamanna, Jr.

THE WORDWRIGHT