This blog features observations from Randy Turner, a former teacher, newspaper reporter and editor. Send news items or comments to rturner229@hotmail.com
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Globe discovers Kennedy named CNHI Journalist of the Year
The Joplin Globe has posted a story today about veteran reporter Wally Kennedy being named CNHI Journalist of the Year.
When a reporter who worked for me won a prestigious award, I considered it to be news and gave the reporter the recognition he or she deserved immediately. if you consider that to be lacking class, I would say you are the one who has the problem.
To Anonymous 10:46 : There are a couple of flaws in your cheap shot.
One- the awards come from coverage of the news and it never hurts to remind the readers just how much your reporters have been doing.
Two-Yes, it is about staff. When my reporters worked hard and nailed a story and some regional, state, or national group honored that effort, I wanted to make sure they received as much attention as possible, precisely because most of the time they work in near anonymity.
Reporters are underpaid, overworked, and oftentimes criticized for things that are beyond their control.
Giving them favorable recognition in their own community is a cheap, but effective, way to let the community know what an asset the newspaper and the reporters who fill its pages is in their lives.
Randy, you hit the nail on the head finally when you said "... Giving them favorable recognition in their own community is a CHEAP, but effective, way
My very point, it's just a cheap thing to do...just a paper's way of praising itself and later adding to it's own promotions as "an award winning newspaper." The Globe handled this just about right.
I have worked in the newspaper business a few more years than you, Randy, so I know why good people stay around....it's not about the money or the glory...
When I was an editor, I had little control over the purse strings, but I was able to make sure my reporters got the recognition they dserved. They were not in it for the money or the glory either, or they would not have been in the newspaper business, but there is absolutely no reason why their accomplishments should not be noted. I have a hard time understanding why this should be an issue.
8 comments:
I'll bet the Globe knew it before you did, Randy
....some people have class...and some people don't .... what would you say would be the reason to rush this rather mild piece of in-house news?
When a reporter who worked for me won a prestigious award, I considered it to be news and gave the reporter the recognition he or she deserved immediately. if you consider that to be lacking class, I would say you are the one who has the problem.
maybe that's why you are no longer in newspaper work....reporters, editors, etc. should try hard not to be the news....it's not about staff
prestigious award? You consider the CNHI journalist of the year award to be prestigious?
To Anonymous 10:46 : There are a couple of flaws in your cheap shot.
One- the awards come from coverage of the news and it never hurts to remind the readers just how much your reporters have been doing.
Two-Yes, it is about staff. When my reporters worked hard and nailed a story and some regional, state, or national group honored that effort, I wanted to make sure they received as much attention as possible, precisely because most of the time they work in near anonymity.
Reporters are underpaid, overworked, and oftentimes criticized for things that are beyond their control.
Giving them favorable recognition in their own community is a cheap, but effective, way to let the community know what an asset the newspaper and the reporters who fill its pages is in their lives.
Lord knows it's not the salary ....
Randy, you hit the nail on the head finally when you said "...
Giving them favorable recognition in their own community is a CHEAP, but effective, way
My very point, it's just a cheap thing to do...just a paper's way of praising itself and later adding to it's own promotions as "an award winning newspaper." The Globe handled this just about right.
I have worked in the newspaper business a few more years than you, Randy, so I know why good people stay around....it's not about the money or the glory...
When I was an editor, I had little control over the purse strings, but I was able to make sure my reporters got the recognition they dserved. They were not in it for the money or the glory either, or they would not have been in the newspaper business, but there is absolutely no reason why their accomplishments should not be noted. I have a hard time understanding why this should be an issue.
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