Hi Ken -- Been a fan of "Alaska Daily" when I've been able to catch up on it because of the way it discusses the challenges of modern journalism. A big reason why the show is set there though is because it was inspired by the project "Lawless: Sexual Violence in Alaska" which was a joint project by the Anchorage Daily News and ProPublica. I think besides journalism, it also gives attention to the struggles of the indigenous population.
I love Alaska Daily, and I also love that it isn't set in "typical" lower states. It gives a new perspective on a culture we know little about, and a setting that can really impact the stories. Following the disappearance of indigenous girls is very current, and I'm sure there will be other stories to follow just like there are in any state. Thank you for your contribution to journalism!
1) When you took your son New Orleans, did you visit where your parents were married?
2) I read, maybe 20 years ago, that almost every news story on tv (and the internet now - I guess) was generated with a newspaper article. The lack of newspaper (as in news) is likely to hurt all other media. Especially when newspapers fact check.. but other media seems to not fact check, not the newspapers they get their stories from, or themselves.
3) I liked the book.. but for me, it wasn’t great. For one -- there was a lot of sadness. Many times I felt myself tearing up, if not crying. I should appreciate it was able to touch me....but the sadness was not comfortable.
Another reason is I am not part of the community you were writing to. Most of the people you wrote about I did not know... and even after a couple of essays I know your family... but I don’t have a wife or kid(s) so that aspect of content (connection) was lacking
4) In this essay you make a push once again for newspapers and you subtly suggest, but don’t say it outright the importance of columns and editorials. More specifically you talk about the image and the importance of portraying newspaper on the tv media
In some ways I feel newspapers have been... in movies, books, and tv. And more importantly, correctly. Our friend John Oliver has covered this.. but also in his couple shows about law and order (the tv franchise and the issue) he has pointed how detrimental it is that often the presentation of law and order is not accurate, or that often the news trusts the police when they should be the bearer of truth... not accomplice.
I think Lou Grant is accurate, but I bet many republicans might call it fake news today.
5) I have seen that whenever there is a news story people don’t like they (mostly republicans) call it fake news. You can provide links to facts and the ignore them. It reminds of your family reunion when you told the trump supporters they should research (fact check) what is being said... I was left with the thought they would not.
Edward, Your review of my book may have been one of the best. Perhaps, one of the greatest compliments a writer can get is that the reader has been moved by the words emotionally. No one wants to read a sad story every day, but there is value in those stories so that we can appreciate our own lives. I’m sure you find some inspiration in many of the reporters and editors who worked at the newspaper. It doesn’t matter if you are familiar with their work. So thank you first and foremost for your honest. I value your opinion. It’s ok to be uncomfortable with something you read. As long as you keep reading.
I once received a card from three moms about how I made their daughters (on multiple losing teams) always making them feel like winners
Another time several moms came up to me, quietly thanking me for suggesting had the girls' team that won the section been boys, there would be much more to do about it.
I am sure you had received much of that... but my point that you mentioned --- there were often 4-8 tear jerkers in a row
Hi Ken -- Been a fan of "Alaska Daily" when I've been able to catch up on it because of the way it discusses the challenges of modern journalism. A big reason why the show is set there though is because it was inspired by the project "Lawless: Sexual Violence in Alaska" which was a joint project by the Anchorage Daily News and ProPublica. I think besides journalism, it also gives attention to the struggles of the indigenous population.
Thanks Joe. I wonder where they go next after they solve that case.
I love Alaska Daily, and I also love that it isn't set in "typical" lower states. It gives a new perspective on a culture we know little about, and a setting that can really impact the stories. Following the disappearance of indigenous girls is very current, and I'm sure there will be other stories to follow just like there are in any state. Thank you for your contribution to journalism!
Delighted I reconnected with your writing thru my connection with Will.
Not much of a TV guy, but will give "Alaska Daily" a try when I figure out TV without cable.
You might try Briarhill to Brooklyn, by Bodkin, Jack for background on your mother's emigration to states.
Preface, just finished “The Last American Editor”
1) When you took your son New Orleans, did you visit where your parents were married?
2) I read, maybe 20 years ago, that almost every news story on tv (and the internet now - I guess) was generated with a newspaper article. The lack of newspaper (as in news) is likely to hurt all other media. Especially when newspapers fact check.. but other media seems to not fact check, not the newspapers they get their stories from, or themselves.
3) I liked the book.. but for me, it wasn’t great. For one -- there was a lot of sadness. Many times I felt myself tearing up, if not crying. I should appreciate it was able to touch me....but the sadness was not comfortable.
Another reason is I am not part of the community you were writing to. Most of the people you wrote about I did not know... and even after a couple of essays I know your family... but I don’t have a wife or kid(s) so that aspect of content (connection) was lacking
4) In this essay you make a push once again for newspapers and you subtly suggest, but don’t say it outright the importance of columns and editorials. More specifically you talk about the image and the importance of portraying newspaper on the tv media
In some ways I feel newspapers have been... in movies, books, and tv. And more importantly, correctly. Our friend John Oliver has covered this.. but also in his couple shows about law and order (the tv franchise and the issue) he has pointed how detrimental it is that often the presentation of law and order is not accurate, or that often the news trusts the police when they should be the bearer of truth... not accomplice.
{A good example is the ncpr coverage of a Police shooting in Saranac Lake https://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/46155/20220629/police-shot-and-killed-a-man-outside-stewart-s-in-saranac-lake-after-reported-stabbing . In this case most of the information was police said. The media was handed a body cam video with no sound...and didn’t ask why. It took place in June and still a follow-up has not happened. The same is true with the Adirondack Daily Eneterprise}
I think Lou Grant is accurate, but I bet many republicans might call it fake news today.
5) I have seen that whenever there is a news story people don’t like they (mostly republicans) call it fake news. You can provide links to facts and the ignore them. It reminds of your family reunion when you told the trump supporters they should research (fact check) what is being said... I was left with the thought they would not.
a) how news happens: https://www.pewresearch.org/journalism/2010/01/11/how-news-happens/
b) interesting article on newspaper trends: https://www.pewresearch.org/journalism/fact-sheet/newspapers/
Edward, Your review of my book may have been one of the best. Perhaps, one of the greatest compliments a writer can get is that the reader has been moved by the words emotionally. No one wants to read a sad story every day, but there is value in those stories so that we can appreciate our own lives. I’m sure you find some inspiration in many of the reporters and editors who worked at the newspaper. It doesn’t matter if you are familiar with their work. So thank you first and foremost for your honest. I value your opinion. It’s ok to be uncomfortable with something you read. As long as you keep reading.
Having written columns myself...
I once received a card from three moms about how I made their daughters (on multiple losing teams) always making them feel like winners
Another time several moms came up to me, quietly thanking me for suggesting had the girls' team that won the section been boys, there would be much more to do about it.
I am sure you had received much of that... but my point that you mentioned --- there were often 4-8 tear jerkers in a row
Will have to watch that new series coming up in Alaska. Glad someone is doing something like that.
Watch Masterpiece’s “Broadchurch”- though one of its subplots- Local Journalism and it’s challenges are eye openly portrayed.