I don't know how deep KODE plans to go into its reporting on the unrest at Missouri Southern State University, but if the first portion of the station's interview with President Dr Bruce Speck is any indication, one thing is clear- Shannon Bruffett should change her name to Jenni Finch.
Speck had no problem handling the softballs Ms Bruffett was tossing him. In fact, the questions appeared to come directly from Dwight Douglas' talking points. Douglas, an MSSU Board of Governors member and former president, and Speck have been pushing the claim that former President Dr. Julio Leon left the university in wretched economic condition. Though that view is not shared by all, it remained unchallenged by Ms. Bruffett, who tossed a fat one right down the middle to Speck, asking him what condition the university was in when he became president.
This is one of the stories that television often has problems handling. Not all news lends itself to the point a camera at someone from both sides of the issue and go home feeling proud of yourself approach. In particular, Bruce Speck's story has many more facets that need to be explored and there is much more digging for a news organization to do, whether it is KODE, the Joplin Globe or someone else.
Hopefully, the second part of the interview, scheduled to air in KODE's 10 p.m. newscast will provide some useful information and not an unpaid political advertisement for Bruce Speck.
Ever notice how when someone has done something really stupid they first go to the TV cameras? A celebrity screws up and they go on Opera. Kayne West makes a fool of himself and goes on Leno. Kramer from Seinfeld hurls racist comments and goes on Letterman. Bruce Speck destroys MSSU and goes on Good Morning Four States. Yup, I see a trend!
ReplyDeleteShannon Bruffett even went out to Speck's office a few days before the interview and presumably went over the questions she was going to ask him. How's that for journalistic integrity?!
ReplyDeleteI have a feeling that it was MSU and not MSSU in trouble, the Springfield media would be handling this much better. While it is a larger market, Springfield has some reporters in the print, radio, and television media that could sink their teeth into it.
ReplyDeleteJust wait until the Faculty Senate Ad Hoc Committee releases its preliminary findings in the next day or two. The committt has accumulated a mountain of evidence against President Speck that will shock even his most ardent supporter(s).
ReplyDeleteThe KODE/KSN Family of stations have a tradition of making good advertisers the news. Look at their 5pm product on KSN, one big infomercial to those who buy certain schedules. I'll bet the Marketing Director of the College with his minions, their Local Advertising Agency, got this story done. I realize that saying they have a paid Marketing Director who then hires a Local Agency to do their marketing is an oxymoron, but it is true. Take out oxy and you get the idea.
ReplyDeleteWhy would you hire a Local Advertising Agency when you have a Paid Marketing Director and a department full of alledged marketing and media students and teachers? Has this always been the case or did this come with the Speck Administration?
ReplyDeleteThe second interview had more softball questions than the first. Speck was interestingly nervous in both of them, couldn't he organize a glass of water? Missouri Southern deserves better.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to KODE, I noticed none of the other media, KOAM, KSNF,or the Joplin Globe getting an interview with Dr. Speck.
ReplyDeleteShannon is pretty
ReplyDeleteReally? I don't think she is pretty at all! You must not have a high def TV!
ReplyDeleteRumor has it that there is a big shake up coming in the management of KODE. Rumor says it will come from corporate and affect the top. The bosses will try to save their own jobs at the cost of anyone they can. Could this be the reason or has corporate finally paying attention? In any case, it appears the house of cards called management is tumbling.
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