KOAM led its 6 p.m. newscast with a thorough detailing of the rally for fired Missouri Southern State University newspaper adviser/journalism instructor T. R. Hanrahan.
Reporter Angela Garcia's story offered more depth than KODE's news story, delving into the First Amendment issues that surround the dismissal. It was also noted that the bad press the university received from Chart scoops such as the one about the Bruce Speck administration hired a convicted embezzler to teach accounting, could have played a role in the firing.
Interviews were conducted with Hanrahan, Chart Editor Brennan Stebbins, and others. No university official was willing to go on camera, citing that old standby about not being able to discuss it because it is a personnel matter.
I am an MSSU almun and a current investigative reporter in Oklahoma City. I am glad to see some other journalists in Joplin final start to ask questions of University. I would love to see someone approach them with the tenacity that is required to force our elected/appointed state-paid employees to answer for their outrageous actions.
ReplyDeleteMissouri Southern should be ashamed of itself. I was never a fan of The Chart (broadcast v. print feud), but they have performed admirably during this assault on journalism and the First Amendment.
The people of Joplin, the voters of Missouri, should demand changes that make MSSU a place to respect and not ridicule. I am truly ashamed of the current administration and it's petty, childish behavior.
Phil Cross