People often discuss with me what they do not like about local TV news. I listed below some of the most common requests I hear from viewers. Some journalists might argue managers and producers tie their hands. But most reporters can probably take at least small steps on their own to improve these issues. I also realize some in the media will read this, once again roll their eyes and dismiss this list. At least I tried.
- Cover more human interest stories and fewer ones about crime and controversy.
- Show a willingness to change a story’s focus if the process of gathering facts shows the original idea is not what it seems.
- Don’t leave out important facts because they don’t support a journalist’s preconceived idea of the story.
- Be willing to tell their editors or producers that after gathering the available facts, there is no legitimate story.
- Don’t allow editors, producers or managers to pressure reporters to rush stories to the public or move forward with stories that are questionable.
- Don’t automatically assume a business or government agency is to blame or should be portrayed as a villain after someone calls the media with a complaint.
- Don’t slap in print or on the air every reported study, silly or not, without independently verifying the quality of the study.