I admit that there have been moments, many moments, since I left TV news that I wondered about the state of journalism. Still do, pretty much every day. I’m a news junkie at heart, and I always took pride in the fact that my first career was one protected by the Constitution.
Just as our methods of communication continue to change – so does the argument over what is and isn’t journalism. Do blogs count? Should journalists be allowed to step away from that holy grail of ‘objectivity’ and express opinion (like the local News Director who blogs – still don’t know how I feel about that).
But at the end of a day a good story, one that really touches you, is still a good story. And I doubt that will ever change. The way that story reaches your eyes or ears is changing as I write this. But the heart of good journalism remains.
Case in point, the ESPN story that has been forwarded to me via email and social media links half a dozen times in the past day. Forwarded from male sports fanatics, my mother, my colleagues, and former media colleagues I haven’t spoken to in years. Haven’t seen it yet? You don’t have to be a sports fan to be touched – you just have to be a human being. Take a look and let me know what you think.
This morning, a local sports story about long-time BK Coach Wes Worrell brought home the simple but often heart-wrenching decision many of us make on a regular basis – job or family, professional passion or precious time with your children.
“It’s time to take my whole undivided attention and give it to my kids,” said Worrell, whose final game could come Wednesday in the consolation bracket of the 4A District Three tournament at BK. “I’ve coached other families’ kids for 30 years. How could I not coach my own kids if they want me?”
I know I’ll be following Wes’s new ‘career’ as Coach Dad closely (how could I not? His wife is my business partner!). But these two stories epitomize why I still believe in the power of journalism to touch and inspire. Yes, I do love the investigative pieces that intend to keep those in power accountable. At times, I believe they can go a bit overboard and I wonder if the desire to win a watchdog award trumps the basic intent of investigative journalism.
But at the end of the day, no matter how it reaches you, a good story will always be a good story.
I don’t think that I’ve ever watched a softball game, but watching the ESPN story last night brought tears to my eyes. One of the coaches talked about the importance of character and it was a good reminder that no matter what situation you are in, what team you are cheering for, or no matter what you are trying accomplish, you can make the largest impact on those around you if you have character.
As I mentioned before, I’ve never watched a softball game in my life, but I stumbled upon this story this morning. I’ve been watching Channel 6’s newscasts because of their coverage for this Saturday’s Race for the Cure, which I volunteer for. Joe Hughes did an inspirational story about a 20-year-old who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. The young woman is amazing: http://www.kivitv.com/global/story.asp?s=8281832.
The amount of courage she has is incredibly inspirational.
Comment by CW — May 7, 2008 @ 3:26 pm |