Monday, June 16, 2008

Journalists Do Your Job

My many years of appointment viewing of Meet The Press tells me that Tim Russert was a man who, among other things, would say to his staff do your job. Find the good information, check, double and triple check the facts for accuracy, gather views con and pro and report it to the public, then let the chips falls where they may. That to me is what journalism is all about. It is not about leaving it up to the consumer/viewer to determine whether the "reporter" is making the information up. Journalism is not a game, so stop playing at news and do the job. Mr. Russert did show us that getting at the truth can invoke intrigue and drama, although it need not be manufactured (hype). In our farewell to Mr. Russert, we may reflect on his considerable body of work as a journalist, bureau chief, reporter and moderator, and know that he indeed understood his job and he did it well.

NewsJReview


Sunday, June 15, 2008

The Passing of Tim Russert

Tim Russert was the only mighty oak in the forest of Television news broadcasters today.
He leaves us at a critical juncture when television news has become splintered along political party affiliations and quite messy.
Mr. Russert practiced journalism. He wasn't perfect, but he tried to get it right.
I will miss his refreshing and stoic approach. I will miss his grace, honesty and integrity.
While listening to the tribute paid to him on MSNBC I heard the General say yes he will be missed and that the country is replete with good journalists who will continue to seek and report the stories Americans need to know. General Colin Powell is correct. I believe the brass of the news industry will have to make a commitment to do so and not just follow the current trend and do only what sells in the market place.
I believe Mr. Russert would not want Meet The Press, which he loved to moderate, to be dumb down or eliminated as a result of his absence. It will take much thought and genuine effort to find that particular voice of passionate, inquisitive reason to continue the journalism legacy of Mr. Russert and to keep us all well informed...

I also believe that would be a tribute to Mr. Russert.
NewsJReview