Every time over the last year that I’ve read the dim witted Red Plan coverage in the Duluth News Tribune I make plans in my head to start a subscribers boycott of the paper. Friday’s editorial POS about the POS that will become our shiny new eastern high school was another such occasion. But every time I start thinking about setting the hounds on them the Trib redeems itself by doing something to show that there are still vestiges of journalism within its ranks. Today’s clear sighted column by Lars Fladmark saved them from my boycott yet again.
I loved the movie Front Page, especially the first one from the Thirties. I read Citizen Hearst as a kid. I grew up in the Era of Watergate with Woodward and Bernstein. I wince whenever I see a major daily fold or worse yet shrink to inconsequentially.
I really don’t have to start a boycott. If the Paper continues to avoid reporting to cheer lead for the projects that the Publisher’s country club buddies have invested in, readers will drop their subscriptions on their own. Times are tough. Who needs a subscription to the Chamber of Commerce Newsletter?
Besides, there are still good reporters at the Trib. These are folks who still have journalistic integrity even if they are too young to have experienced the golden age of newspapers with morning and evening editions cranked out every day. Someday the Trib may get new management more committed to journalism than sucking up to the local poo bahs. I’d sure like to keep having a reason to open my door each day to stoop down and collect a little more fish wrap.
