Someone Else Sees It, Too!

I have been a critic of the Springfield News-Leader for some time.  I haven't minced words when I called them out for failing to report news and act as a glorified AP repeated instead.  They have had chances to improve this community and done well, but they have dropped the ball a time or two as well.

I'm not the only one who sees it, either.

Recently, the local police came under scrutiny for breaking up a homeless camp.  From what we could tell, it was done with the least amount of compassion and thought possible.  One policeman said the majority of the homeless would have warrants out for their arrest, which brings in the article Kathleen Faddis mentions in her letter to the editor.  The police officer didn't say he misspoke, the reporter offered this excuse on his behalf, editorializing what should have been a factual breakdown of the events.

Lord knows I get what it's like to be judged for a poor word choice.  I don't believe that's what happened here.  For years, I have been annoyed with the newspaper sugar coating and using kid gloves when it comes to police and city council behavior.

Politicians are good at ducking responsibility. Note how often they use the phrase “mistakes were made” in their confessions of misdeeds, rather than accepting blame. I understand beat reporters have to maintain a relationship with their sources, but reporters are expected to tell the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable to do so. Leave the language that sidesteps the truth to the politicians and public relations people. Reporters should be holding them accountable, not holding their hand.

Well said.  Here's hoping the News-Leader ups their game a notch and goes for honest descriptions over neutral safety.