So much for objective journalism.


So much for strong lead sentences in newspaper stories.


So much for trying to keep respect when dealing with public officials.


This morning’s story from Jon Gillooly at the Marietta Daily Journal is just another embarrassment to the dying newspaper industry. Why you ask? Because the reporter clearly has lost his objectivity and shows sarcasm in a poorly written story. I’m not commenting on the subject matter of the story, just the structure and the opinions inserted by the reporter, or during the editing process.


When I was a reporter, my main concern was getting the story right and ignoring the publisher’s demands/wishes and sometimes the editor for that matter. I never wanted to be the hardcore investigative journalist with no soul. But it turned out that I was pretty darn good at it. The difference was that I was fair and objective. I listened to all sides and wrote the story down the middle, informing the reader and giving them the chance to decide for themselves. I stood up to that old man in the corner office and did it my way and fought them when they tried to change the “tone” of my stories. When it was time for me to leave, I left.


It’s been nearly 13 years since I quit the Marietta Daily Journal and I don’t regret my decision one bit. Unfortunately, the old man has corrupted yet another reporter and is no doubt pulling him into the vortex (the corner office) and telling him what to ask and how to write.


When public officials refuse to talk with a reporter or yell and threaten when asked for comment that means one of two things in my book. The reporter is on to something big and the bulk of the community is behind them, the reporter is a chump for the publisher or the reporter is an asshole.


I was never a chump or an asshole. I treated the subjects of my stories with respect and I gave them the benefit of the doubt for the sake of good objective reporting. I seriously doubt this is the current case.


Just do your job!