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Does this small town favor a "Big City" news style?
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Posted by editor
Tue Nov 30, 1999 00:00:00 PST
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As our town continues to change, it appears that a rift is widening between those who feel it is imperative to keep the "small town feeling" visible in the news we report. Others who complain that our small town is being influenced by "Big City" political motives, say they want to see hard news reporting with "Big City” style.
While the online comments we see represent a very small segment of our readers, is it possible that some readers prefer that the tradition of “fair and impartial” journalism, and the constitutional privilege of free speech take a backseat to the anonymity of screen names and blogs?
Comment From: ruralvoice
Mon Jul 17, 2006 13:57:15 PDT
I just prefer honest and balanced reporting, whether it's big city or little town style. When it comes to web logs (blogs), very, very few folks except the fringe (ahem, like me when I reply to this.....) actually respond (and you find that they are the frequently the same people all the time---with the same type of comments, tone or attitude in their postings). To be perfectly honest, whether it's me or anyone else, our comments are ours, and should only be taken with a grain of salt since they are anonymous. I wouldn't put two hoots into anything anonymous, but it is amuzing to read and to see what sets people off---and, we sure do get set off at times. On the other hand, if you receive authenticated letters, verified with the sender via phone, etc., then I would put substantial value in them. Okay....there are my anonymous comments....from the fringe.....thanks for the blog (for those that have the time an inclination)--it has a place (that place is to let off steam, frustration and/or honesty but usually without identity--mia culpa). So, I wouldn't get too excited about what we say. The vast, vast majority of your readers don't participate in the blog and don't care about it (but that could change over time).
Comment From: martymoore13
Mon Jul 17, 2006 17:26:05 PDT
No dont change, lets keep getting those hard thought provoking questions like "should you be able to take your pets to work?" I mean how could I actually start my day without having such a mind boggling question confront me?
Comment From: thepain
Mon Jul 17, 2006 19:59:40 PDT
How can you interview only the city manager on these hot topics and not interview anyone from the opposition and call that "Fair and impartial"? I would love to see the small town life style of old come back to T-hatch but our local government is taking us down the other road. Sorry Carol I love you but our side is not being told. Also I have always had an OPEN profile, and most of the others have told who they are or been outed by others.
Comment From: dynomite
Mon Jul 17, 2006 21:38:56 PDT
I think it would be great if the Tehachapi News would be like the "BIG City" news papers. They just might sale more news papers like BF papers do up here?!...
Comment From: zeekieman
Thu Jul 20, 2006 05:52:08 PDT
PLAIN AND SIMPLE JUST TELL THE TRUTH ! :)
Comment From: sol2ride
Sun Jul 23, 2006 20:54:43 PDT
How are blogs considered a backseat to free speech? Maybe in this corrupt small town and even more corrupt county the anonymity of a screen name is the best thing for people to truly have free speech. Even the way you pose your question is a threat, this shows that "anonymity of a screen name" is needed.
Comment From: thepain
Thu Jul 27, 2006 19:40:38 PDT
Yes! Don't you think this is as "Free" as it gets?
Comment From: Patsat
Sat Mar 29, 2008 16:31:09 PDT
As I read the article in "Editor and Publisher" for March 29, 2008 http://www.editorandpublish... I see that the overall advertising incomes for newspapers are down by 9.4%. I also have noticed that a lot of the Tehachapi-friendly news and advertisers are no longer in the Tehachapi News. I am not for certain sure as to why the changes have taken place as of lately, but it would seem that the News would be concerned and try to find out what they are doing wrong.Of course, the editors could go to the same ole rhetoric and blame it on the internet, but in reality, I don't see all the papers suffering alike. In fact, some local papers are actually fun to read and interesting to say the least. I would like to suggest that the News take a close look at the changes it has allowed or made to cater to certain "special interests groups" over the past year and perhaps reconsider the stance that has been taken to dissolve the relationship it has had in the past with the bigger advertisers. Perhaps, the old was was actually better than the new ways that are being forced into our community?Patrick Young, Owner, Custom Home Integrators, Tehachapi.
