June 8th, 2007

SHOULD REPORTERS BLOG?

by A.man.I

I had an interesting conversation about blogging recently with an reporter/anchor friend of mine.  He was of the opinion that TV news talent shouldn’t blog.  His position was that since reporters aren’t supposed to inject their own opinions into a story,  a journalist could create a conflict by injecting his/her personal thoughts through a blog.

I get the point, but it looks like blogging is becoming an accepted practice among news professionals.   Isiah Carey is an example.  He’s a reporter at Houston’s local Fox station, and his blog Isiah Carey’s Insite is getting some positive attention. 

I’m sure his employer is well aware, and monitoring his writings, but what I like about this trend is it adds transparency, and give readers more perspective on the news business.  Mainstream outlets often report on blogs now, and it’s cool to get coverage (I had  my own experience with the AJC).

There are also plenty of news photographers who’ve claimed a space in the blogosphere.  VergeNewMedia, ViewfinderBlues, and BeFrank are among my favorites.

What do you think?  Is blogging appropriate for journalists? Leave a comment.  Let’s continue this conversation. 

  • http://griftdrift.blogspot.com griftdrift

    Hunter S. Thompson would disagree with the part about injecting yourself in the story. I’m no journalist but I feel my best writing is when I do become part of the story or maybe a better way to say it is I grab the story by the horns and personally wrestle it to the ground.

  • http://spaceygreview.blogspot.com/ SpaceyG

    If it furthers transparency, then yes. Do it!

  • http://bronzetrinity.efx2.com/ BronzeTrinity

    I think its a good thing. We can get more insider information about events. Its too much to cover just on the television news. People can become more involved in whats happening in the world. I think its a good thing :)

  • http://holdem-002.retproject.info/ topikinolok
blog comments powered by Disqus