The world of Gannett is far from perfect, however, and today's final Sarah Overstreet column does not offer her any opportunities to reminisce, to say goodbye, or even better to end with a powerful feature or with the type of scoop that has often characterized her work in the past.
It's just another column, better than some, not as good as others.
And News-Leader officials, who kicked Ms. Overstreet out the door just three weeks before Christmas, with no warning, offered this explanation on their website:
Today's column is Sarah's last as a full-time columnist for the News-Leader Media Group. Sarah worked for the News-Leader a total of 22 years, offering a unique perspective on the Ozarks. If you'd like to send Sarah a farewell message, you may e-mail her at sarahoverstreet@news-leader.com.
Hopefully, many of Sarah Overstreet's devoted readers will let her know how much they will miss her regular visits into their home. It would also be nice if they would let News-Leader and Gannett officials know how they feel about the destructive course they have plotted for what is supposed to be a community newspaper.
3 comments:
If a newspaper has to make cuts, they have to use triage.
And the most important thing is newsgathering. Reporters out getting stories. Columnists are simply a luxury many papers can't afford in these times.
What's more important to you? The news, or someone rambling on about the news?
It is surprising they let her go, with all the people she pleased with her unique brand of journalism. Few knew, however, how much harm she could and did do to good people and groups over the years, who, if they'd had a voice as loud as Overstreet's, could have stood up for themselves against her unwarrented slams. To her credit, maybe she softened somewhat in recent years, or rehabilitated her intents/purposes, but along with the good, Overstreet was mean-spirited towards many and told a lot of fibs to sensationalize her stories. In this respect she was Gannett all the way.
Dear Anonymous 10:41. Please direct that comment to The Joplin Globe.
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