Alyx Sacks’ coverage was sensitive and professional. While some of the national news outlets spent time criticizing the brief presser in mid-morning, Sacks exhibited and explained in real time her journalistic sense of ethics.
Thanks for this important perspective. One journalist, Jodi I think, said on air that she tried to talk to a parent-the parent declined saying he just wanted to be with his son. To me that comment was as important as any interview and I’m glad she shared it with us.
You are absolutely correct about finding the right balance in covering these stories. What and when to report and what and when not. An additional challenge--for both networks and local media in this era of increasing news deserts--is whom to trust when there no longer are hometown newspapers with deep community roots.
I'm with you as usual, Dave. I would add just two things: First, there is usually more than one right way to cover a school shooting or other difficult story. Second, I'm a little uncomfortable with the notion of "honoring" law enforcement protocol and procedure -- especially in the immediacy of breaking news. Police have an unimaginably difficult and important job to do in such situations, but, as we learned in the aftermath of Uvalde, they aren't perfect, either. Accurate, responsible reporting is the job of journalists. Determining what's worthy of honor can take time and is best left to others.
While I haven't watched local TV wherever I have lived for decades, I am heartened by the comments re DSM reporting of this tragedy. Hopefully the national reporters chasing the GOP Don and Dona Quixotes around the 99 counties take note of what respect looks like in media, and in commentary about the media.
What a great article Dave! You hit so many "nails on the head". We all need to be careful when reporting/talking about news stories like this one. Hearsay is not the way to go. That creates speculation that will just lead to rumors. Those involved directly or indirectly are the biggest losers when stories are not covered accurately.
This article is one that would give anyone, food for thought. It should be an op-ed in all newspapers around the country as it is relevant not matter a town's or city's size.
Thanks, Dave, for this important perspective.
Great information for those who follow on television and radio.
Alyx Sacks’ coverage was sensitive and professional. While some of the national news outlets spent time criticizing the brief presser in mid-morning, Sacks exhibited and explained in real time her journalistic sense of ethics.
Thanks for this important perspective. One journalist, Jodi I think, said on air that she tried to talk to a parent-the parent declined saying he just wanted to be with his son. To me that comment was as important as any interview and I’m glad she shared it with us.
👍well said.
You are absolutely correct about finding the right balance in covering these stories. What and when to report and what and when not. An additional challenge--for both networks and local media in this era of increasing news deserts--is whom to trust when there no longer are hometown newspapers with deep community roots.
I'm with you as usual, Dave. I would add just two things: First, there is usually more than one right way to cover a school shooting or other difficult story. Second, I'm a little uncomfortable with the notion of "honoring" law enforcement protocol and procedure -- especially in the immediacy of breaking news. Police have an unimaginably difficult and important job to do in such situations, but, as we learned in the aftermath of Uvalde, they aren't perfect, either. Accurate, responsible reporting is the job of journalists. Determining what's worthy of honor can take time and is best left to others.
While I haven't watched local TV wherever I have lived for decades, I am heartened by the comments re DSM reporting of this tragedy. Hopefully the national reporters chasing the GOP Don and Dona Quixotes around the 99 counties take note of what respect looks like in media, and in commentary about the media.
What a great article Dave! You hit so many "nails on the head". We all need to be careful when reporting/talking about news stories like this one. Hearsay is not the way to go. That creates speculation that will just lead to rumors. Those involved directly or indirectly are the biggest losers when stories are not covered accurately.
This article is one that would give anyone, food for thought. It should be an op-ed in all newspapers around the country as it is relevant not matter a town's or city's size.