Allan Loudell Assesses the State of Local Radio
In today’s NJ, Allan Loudell has a published piece assessing the current state of and the opportunities for local radio.
This is very good and there is alot to think about here. The entire profession of journalism is rethinking its role and the venues by which they communicate. Of course, they are also thinking about how to monetize this — especially since the traditional media’s usual revenue sources seem to be collapsing, and have yet to come to grips with how to get paid for the content that is still the backbone of much of the newer media. I think that I read Jay Rosen once speculate that as larger papers collapse, venues that can focus on and cover local news extremely well may find a profitable niche. Increasingly, the places I look for very local news is at WDEL and the Community News. I would like more of this news, not less — especially since I think that the City of Wilmington is undercovered. But I’m a news junkie, so asking for More is a knee-jerk reaction for me.
You should read the entire piece, but here is Allan on the opportunities for local radio news:
But for local radio to survive — and I use the term “radio” here loosely, as in broadcasting by cell phone — surely local content remains key.
For “spoken word” stations (news and talk), that means aggressive community involvement and marketing, and yes, local news reporting. In the case of Delaware — with the demise of WHYY TV’s “Delaware Tonight” and newspaper staff cutbacks — that places an even greater burden — and opportunity — for local radio news.
We must creatively use the available resources. For example, harnessing the talent and reach of local bloggers. Challenging our listeners to call or e-mail tips. Using our Web site as an extension for what we can’t do on the air.
And Allan on the “objectivity” business:
Addressing civic, business and church/synagogue audiences, we used to vigorously discuss objectivity and perceived media bias. I would point to examples of both conservative and liberal media bias. I long argued that the bias of U.S. parochialism (more entertainment and sports, less international news), fed by advertising pressure to cater to younger audiences, trumped boilerplate ideological bias. The unstated assumption: Objectivity was the Holy Grail.
[…]
Bloggers — both of the Right and the Left — sought not evenhandedness, but the “truth.” “Don’t give both sides,” I’ve been told. “Just report the truth.”
Allan seems to conclude that given the reduced resources available for reporting, coupled with the unending rush of news each day, that perhaps reporting “the truth” is more work than reporting both sides.
If I’ve represented his conclusion appropriately, I understand this. But I also understand that there are players being reported on who know the imperative to repeating what both sides say. And some of those just say anything because they know no one will call them on it. Pew recently released a poll about the media where distrust in their work seems to hit a new low, and I think that this is directly related to the gaming with objectivity as well as the apparent disappearing of the line between reported news and opinion.
The media is a favorite topic of mine and a major pet peeve, so I’ll stop here. But I’m very interested in what you think — what do you think of the role of radio in reporting local news? What do you think about the objectivity standard?
h/t P. Baumbach — thanks for bringing this to our attention!
Tags: Allan Loudell, Media
That is interesting. How does Mr. Loudell plan to utilize local bloggers? I certainly agree that truth is more important than objectivity. I would argue that the goal should be informing and educating people.
stay tuned for Tommywonk the monotone voice of the Guardian
How does Mr. Loudell plan to utilize local bloggers?
Not exactly sure, but I do know he handles many reliable bloggers with an open-door, as in “Welcome.” I guess for other bloggers, it could be, “The door is open, now GTFO!” 😆 Kidding, of course. I think it’s great, let alone very revealing how far he’s willing to go for credible resources and varying POV’s.
I know Allan has taken some opinionated lumps here, to which I often disagreed, but I really believe he is the absolute best and most reputable journalist across all media from the entire State of Delaware. I willfully listen to his opinions and his interviews, because they are often quite informed. Even when I disagree with the content, I don’t think any less of him, I simply ponder why I disagree. To me, Allan’s opinion carries a lot of weight and he’s long-earned that respect.
Allen has moderated two or three candidate panels at our church in the past, and I echo RSmitty’s take on Allen being ‘the most reputable journalist across all media from the entire State of Delaware.’
I do appreciate journalists posting on blogs (even those on ‘the other side’, and those with opposing views) and I appreciate them reading the blogs, perhaps for story/discussion ideas.
Allan has posted here, and I consider him very even-handed. He also has some areas of special expertise, especially in international geopolitics, and uses his way-too-numerous-to-mention contacts to give his audience a perspective that frankly I would never expect to get here in Delaware.
An invaluable and, I think, underappreciated resource. Plus, he’s a good guy to have a beer with!
One of the things that I’ve often wished for are more (and more complete) podcasts from WDEL. I do like the noon and evening news enough to want to hear it, but often can’t. I would add that to my podcast list. I would also like for interviews with local newsmakers from the talk programs to show up as podcasts more regularly. I’d like to hear more about harnessing the talents of local bloggers — especially in light of the fact that “objectivity” as journalists might employ it is not the project of any of the local bloggers.
I’d agree that Allan is one of the good guys. But I’d also like to hear him talk at some length about how to actually do “objectivity” when too many people are willing to play the system — pretty much saying anything knowing full well that they are unlikely to get serious pushback on the facts.
But I’d also like to hear him talk at some length about how to actually do “objectivity” when too many people are willing to play the system …
Not only do I think he would be tremendously willing to take you up on that challenge, I would venture to wager (if the Third Circuit Court of Appeals will allow me) that he’d have it done in a forum type of environment. He’s long given his sentiments on how he loves that kind of discussion setup. Next fundraising opp? An evening with Allan Loudell? I have to admit it won’t be as enticing as the prior event, but something modest. I doubt the receiving charity would say no.
Reporters are busy, so if Republicans claim that 2 plus 2 equals 22, they have to give that claim equal weight to claims that the sum is four.
Do I have that right Al?
Allen should begin assessing the Rick Jenson show and how many lies per day Jensen tells. Second, look at the blogs on WDEL, they are all but ignored. Talk radio in Delaware is a politcal sham. Loudell has a great list of names to call on, but other than that…its reading the daily talking points.