While I have sympathy for all of the 19 people who lost their jobs during Gannett's latest purge of the Springfield News-Leader's ranks, I am mystified by the newspaper's choice to eliminate long-time columnist Sarah Overstreet.
As newspaper continue to inch their way toward the 21st century, they seem intent on eliminating the advantages they have had over other media. One is the columnist who becomes the voice of the community. That is what Sarah Overstreet has been to Springfield during her long tenure at the News-Leader.
That kind of columnist is worth his or her weight in gold. Names like Mike Royko in Chicago, Jimmy Breslin in New York, Irv Kupcinet in San Francisco come to mind.
The News-Leader has systematically ran off every columnist or reporter who has become associated with the community, a process which appears to be complete with the cavalier dismissal of Ms. Overstreet.
Ms. Overstreet and columnists like her are ones who are not universally liked. In fact, they have people who absolutely detest every word they write...but they keep on reading. And for those who did enjoy her work, it was often the first thing they turned to when they opened the News-Leader.
It is already hard to think of the News-Leader as a Springfield newspaper, considering the departure over recent years of so many people who were so associated with the newspaper. The names Steve Koehler, Ron Davis, Scott Puryear, and the late Marty Eddlemon jump to mind.
While those people were still around, it was possible to still maintain the illusion that the Springfield News-Leader was a community newspaper with a vested interest in Springfield.
Sarah Overstreet was the last link to those days. The illusion is forever shattered.
Maybe because she's a lush?
ReplyDeleteSarah is a literate, witty, and insightful journalist with a lot to offer Springfield. Somebody should give her the chance to do so again.
ReplyDeleteGood luck on your new adventure you will go far always thinking of you Janet an Ed Barnett
ReplyDeleteShe deserves to be homeless. She made me out to be a liar when I told her about the Victory Mission discriminating against non-Christians. She also did a horrible story on the Vampire The Masquerade LARPG game that used to be held on the Square.
ReplyDeleteI recently came across a news article Sarah had written about the Kilties of which I was a member.
ReplyDeleteI had cut it out and saved it along with a banner that said, "Once a Kiltie always a Kiltie."
She had written about our motto in her article. The Kilties, is a High School Drum Corp for girls at Springfield High School in Springfield Mo. Until 1957, it was the only High School and the only High School Drum Corp.
It made me remember how much I always looked forward to her articles. I am so glad you appreciate her as well. I will be so happy to read again some of her work. A remarkable journalist.
Do you know if she is still writing and if so where I might read some of her work.
Thank for archiving her work.
I don't see any dates for who is writing. This day is July 27, 2024. Wherever she it I hope she is happy and well. Warm regards.