‘Mike’s Morning Messenger’
Approaching my fifth decade in this business, and after witnessing where my craft was in 1971 compared with what too often passes for objective news reporting in 2017, I’ve been imagining how I’d create a successful newspaper today.
My concept isn’t necessarily the best approach. But, after all, it is my imaginary paper. And I believe I grasp the key to making one successful even in trying times: Make my product indispensable to readers rather than agenda- and ego-driven.
The only way residents have of knowing the truth, facts and events in our imaginary community is to trust the reliability and credibility of the news gatherers who live there. Such hard-earned characteristics (and the vital good will they generate) is all I’d have for sale. But it has value only as long as those willing to pay for it trust my paper’s abilities and reliability.
Based on those crucial aspects, I’d hire capable, impassioned reporters and editors with fire in their bellies, then set them free to do remarkable work. Armed with such a product and an energized staff willing to forgo personal opinion and ideology in order to pursue and report facts
(with no axes to grind or friends to favor) we’d work side by side. In the process we’d help each other produce the best, most reliable, newspaper of its size anywhere. That would be our fulfilling goal.
Our inevitable success and sole dedication to our readers’ wants and needs would generate a product which, through such integrity and diligence, naturally increased in its following. The growing number of satisfied readers then would attract advertisers wanting to reach as many potential customers as possible for their products.
Our swelling advertising base would enable the paper to thrive and news gathering to grow stronger. As has always been the case, subscription and daily sales would pretty much cover circulation expenses.
The marching order to my news staff would be the same I gave during my tenures as editor of the daily papers in Hot Springs and Fayetteville: “Find and report the fullest obtainable version of truth accurately and fairly, without malice or favor and regardless of whose doorstep it crosses.”
Also, my paper (I might call it Mike’s Morning Messenger) would have an opinion section that wasn’t wishy-washy. There’s not much purpose or interest in paragraphs that offer a lot of “on one hand, but on the other hand …” pablum on matters of public interest and significance. If a public figure was wrong or an issue deserving of criticism in our opinion, that’s just what we’d say in plain English, perhaps offering possible ideas for reforms when needed. We’d be equally quick to praise when deserved.
The Morning Messenger also might reflect a transparent political leaning. It also would routinely publish countering views on the opinion pages, which would reflect fairness and regard for the views of all readers. Hearing both sides often can lead a reader to truth.
I’ve also learned all too often one or two opinions on an issue isn’t sufficient to effectively encourage reforms in the public good. Too many so-called public servants believe they can hunker down and weather a couple of critical pieces. But a string of relevant opinions on serious matters isn’t easily ignored.
The object in my opinion section also would be to remain unpredictable and interesting enough where readers will eagerly seek it, along with the news, sports and features. That can’t happen when any part of my paper clearly loses touch with the heartbeat of its readers.
My paper would be written for, and directed to, the people who must rely upon it, rather than than catering to the self-important corporate media giants of our nation’s coastal metropolises. In short, the Morning Messenger would be a newspaper for everyone in the community, certainly including those who voices are easily overlooked or unheard.
However, I wouldn’t go as far as the familiar adage that instructs newspapers to “comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.” While that phrase might sound noble, it also sends the distinctly unfair message that our pages should intentionally afflict those who’ve worked hard to earn success. My imaginary paper should never be feared. Yet, because it would show no fear to tackle any relevant subject of public concern, its pages would be respected.
The Messenger’s sports pages, like the social and feature sections, would be filled with local names and faces, for they are the very ones who breathe life into the Messenger. If we failed to intensely cover these good folks of our community at play, recreation and competition, who would?
Rather than rehashing the same game plays (many already seen on TV, the Internet or heard over radio), my imaginary sports department would take the next step.
I’d expect to routinely produce informative and relevant comments from the opposing coaches after the games, along with commentary that enriches understanding. What did the other team and its coach think of our performance? That’s information I believe inquiring minds always want to know.
OK, enough daydreaming. Back to reality and looking ahead to finishing my next column.
But it’s fun to imagine what if, especially after all I’ve seen and done after 46 years in a challenging business uniquely protected by the First Amendment.