Secrets of the City

Every time they have an open house I consider going for like 1.5 seconds before remembering that I’m just way too lazy for that sort of thing.

Not going.

Do they serve beer?

I love MPR but the size of the organization is scary. Reminds me of big nasty corporations I love to hate. If I remember correctly MPR extends into several states Wisconsin, MN, Idaho, Michigan and owns many radio stations….

Further NPR has some questionable sponsors e.g. Walmart.

I’m one of their “public insight citizen journalists,” so I have been there a lot lately. Last couple of times I discussed options in Iraq (none good, sorry) and legislative priorities for Minnesota. I’ll be there in a week or so to discuss climate change, and what we Minnesotans can do about it.

“public insight citizen journalists”

Does anybody else feel sort of embarrassed or frustrated by this? Really, why should I care what Bob thinks about Iraq? A self selecting group of listeners gets disproportionate air time, air time I’d prefer were used to discuss what our elected officials, experts, etc. think.

Really, why should I care what Bob thinks about Iraq?

It’s not like I was the only one there. But I was one of a handful of veterans there, so maybe that why they used my segment. Or maybe I’ve become somewhat skilled in speaking in audio soundbites. I don’t know.

We discussed this before on this post. Where were you, MunsingW?

Only if kathy wirzer is there so I can look up her skirt. That’s right Kathy, you heard me.

I wonder if Bob Collins is as big of a dickhead in person as he is online?

Oh Yawn! Don’t bother going over there. Even their broadcast ratings (except for their classical service) are going down the drain.

My comment wasn’t really about Bob or Iraq, per se. You were just the easy example.

Yes, I know you’re a veteran Bob, and I appreciate it. And looking back at the other thread, it very quickly devolved into a political pissing match, which isn’t my cup of tea.

My point is that in too many MPR stories these days, too much time is given over to somebody that likes to hear themselves talk (so much that they sign up to be a “public insight citizen journalist”), and the depth of actual reporting by actual reporters gets thinner and thinner.

I know plenty of people with opinions about stuff. When I’m looking for opinions, I’ll ask them. When I listen to a news station, I’m looking for new information that I didn’t have before, collected by professional journalists.

No offense taken, Munz, and thanks for the thanks.

The material provided by us “citizen journalists” are edited and packed by the professionals, and are usually used to tell a bigger story. It is MPR’s way of competing with blogs and other news media, and trying to remain current in a changing society.

Like you, I worry when news media don’t focus on real reporting, doing ‘talking head’ stuff instead — and I often am a ‘talking head’ in this media market. All in all, they are still doing a pretty good job, I think. One of the reasons I decided to join up was to help them stay on the right path.

Good observations, though. I think our local newsies need more srutiny and feedback like this. You listening, Jason? BTW, J. if you are reading this — I’ll be at your studio tommorow at 11:30 a.m. I’ll stop by your desk and say hi if I can.