Media drama in Hudson
A Hudson Register-Star reporter was fired after a disagreement over whether to mention in a story that a city alderman didn't stand for the pledge of allegiance, Sam Pratt reports (the reporter wanted to pull his byline after the mention was inserted). That in turn prompted the city editor and two other reporters to resign in protest, as well as a a protest letter from other staffers at the paper. Romenesko's picked up the story. And the Register-Star? It's posted a job ad for a reporter. [Sam Pratt] [Gossips of Rivertown] [Sam Pratt] [Romenesko] [Journalism Jobs]
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Comments
As an aside, I think it's interesting that there is, apparently, little or no copy editing of reporter's stories at the Register-Star. According to Sam Pratt:
'Register-Star articles are seldom copy-edited or substantially changed before publication. Reporters’ texts typically fly straight from their own keyboard into print, with little or no editorial oversight. “It’s kind of frightening, really,” said one source familiar with the paper’s production system,” saying that “typically, they are so hands off, the news runs itself....'
Even at small-town papers, I've always imagined some grizzled veteran editor, pounding a fist on the desk, throwing a reporter's copy back, and grunting out with some words of advice about journalistic standards.
I guess I've watched too many movies.
... said Bob on Nov 15, 2012 at 3:43 PM | link
I would be OK with the council skipping the pledge of allegiance and/or the alderman standing silently during the pledge.
However, not standing for the pledge of allegiance, or the National Anthem, is disrespectful.
As an ex-Marine, I would take it personally.
... said Bill N. on Nov 15, 2012 at 4:27 PM | link
@Bob, Rest assured that the no-editor model is not the norm (thank goodness!), even at most smaller papers. But they're not usually grizzled old grouches, either, nor do they keep flasks in their desks like the old movies would suggest.
... said M on Nov 15, 2012 at 6:50 PM | link
I'm kind of thick, so let me understand - a guy didn't stand for the pledge, and the reporter didn't think that the act of not standing for the pledge was worth reporting.... do I have that right?
... said Barold on Nov 15, 2012 at 7:25 PM | link