Lucy Gellman Photo
Former U.S. Rep. Sam Gejdenson (pictured) has serious concerns, and they’re not about the clown car of GOP presidential candidates driving around, or the recent election results in New Haven. It’s about where his news is coming from each day.
Twenty years ago, outlets like the Hartford Times, Hartford Courant and even New York Times were reliable. So was the local 6 p.m. news, which up to 90 percent of folks would tune into across the state. Now, it’s “all car accidents and murders.” And that doesn’t sit quite right with him.
That’s also true for longtime journalist Don Noel, an alumnus of the Hartford Courant who sees news writing going down the drain with the proliferation of social media, sway of campaign monies on journalists, and advent of the much-maligned blogosphere. On the latest episode on WNHH radio’s “The Sam Gejdenson Show,” he came on as a guest to speak about why. In particular, the Hartford Times editor and WFSB political commentator described how people got the news last century, and how they do now in the tablet and internet era.
“Newspapers are playing catch-up, and as a result, reporters are expected to come on live and be part of the news,” Noel said. “They are doing double duty … you don’t begin to have a responsible journalistic product. It’s just been driven out of the woodwork.”
“I admit I’m pretty pessimistic,” he added later in the show.
To listen to the full episode, click on the audio above or find it free for download on Soundcloud, iTunes or any podcatcher under “WNHH Community Radio.”
What's the problem?? Lack of editors who read stories and correct dumb errors.
For example: "Twenty years ago, outlets like the Hartford Times, Hartford Courant and even New York Times were reliable."
Did Sammy say that, or was it the person who wrote this story??
Twenty years ago, in 1995, the Hartford Times wasn't reliable because it had been dead for nearly 20 years. It folded in 1976.
A good copy editor would have caught that.
Good grief.