AI OMG
The other day I watched George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden eat tacos and laugh. Mocking, of course, the Cheeto in Chief’s latest nickname: TACO. (Trump Always Chickens Out.)
…news
The Dog Days of Summer for the Media
Some people insist on believing that “the media is lying to you!” About everything. I’m here to tell you that “the media” doesn’t exist. Separate companies, different points of view, etc. So BBC, CNN, FOX, CTV – they’re all in on it together? Every COMPETING company employs liars and forces them to lie?
…The Dog Days of Summer for the Media Read More »
Mourning Dove News – Dovologist Ophelia Clutterbuck Returns
Unless the train is running, and apart from music, Port Stanley’s mourning doves make some of the most consistent sounds in this village.
…Mourning Dove News – Dovologist Ophelia Clutterbuck ReturnsRead More »
Mourning Dove News – Dovologist Ophelia Clutterbuck Returns Read More »
To Err is Human, to Forgive Yourself, Divine
A recent post about a day in radio news ended with me saying the gaffe I wrote about “wasn’t even my worst.” A reader – thanks, Lee! – asked, so what WAS the worst?
…To Err is Human, to Forgive Yourself, Divine Read More »
Professional Pivoting is What All the Cool Kids are Doing
Long ago and far away at a point in my radio career, I transitioned away from being a music host into newscaster and reporter.
…Professional Pivoting is What All the Cool Kids are DoingRead More »
Professional Pivoting is What All the Cool Kids are Doing Read More »
Book Review – The Trauma Beat by Tamara Cherry
As a news anchor (and previously an occasional reporter), I always tried to keep in mind that the subjects of news stories were real people. They were only human, and might be living their worst day as their name – or the name of a loved one – made the news.
…Book Review – The Trauma Beat by Tamara Cherry Read More »
News Trauma and Its Antidote
Years ago, in a private Facebook messenger conversation, my pal Stacey told me that she used to combat the stress of college by watching videos of puppies on YouTube.
…News Trauma and Its Antidote Read More »
Poking the Emotional Bears in All of Us
Recently, I tried out a headline analyzer. You plunk in a headline for a blog post and the analyzer tells you whether it’s going to attract clicks. For example, the analysis says the headline needs, “more emotional words”. So, you write it again to improve the headline’s percentage score.
…Poking the Emotional Bears in All of Us Read More »
News Junkie Declutters
Being kind to oneself, self-care is a journey. I find that while making changes at the start of a new year is a bit of a cliche it’s also a really logical time for it. I have a few in mind, but first, the news.
…News Junkie Declutters Read More »
The Art of Self-Control
Writing today’s post has been a struggle. As far as struggles go, it’s really nothing, but it’s real to me.
…The Art of Self-Control Read More »
Sentiment and Sensibility
It’s not really possible for journalists to be unbiased. Everyone has a bias. The goal for journalists is to overcome their bias for their work. They can do it. And I’ll show you how.
…Sentiment and Sensibility Read More »
Editing My Own News
Scrolling through Twitter a few mornings ago, it occurred to me that I no longer have to follow Premier Doug Ford. …
Editing My Own News Read More »
Reading Words and Naming Names
Anecdotal evidence used as fact only causes trouble. I like dark roast coffee. My husband likes dark roast coffee, as do a couple of our friends. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that most people like dark roast coffee. However, that’s the kind of weak country-club polling that some people draw their steadfast conclusions from. …
Reading Words and Naming Names Read More »
Talk Talk
The TV promos we shot for News/Talk 1290 CJBK are on the air. The idea is to inspire listeners to discuss the reasons why news and talk are important. The promos drive viewers to our website where there’s a forum for discussion. Yeah, I know, a discussion on the Internet. What could possibly go wrong? …
It’s 11 O’Clock. Do You Know Where Your Children Are?
With those words, Irv Weinstein began the late-night newscast on Buffalo’s WKBW Channel 7. He was the big time, the Walter Cronkite for our generation. He left the airwaves 17 years ago but just his name conjurs up memories of mentions of Tonawanda, Lackawana and other exotic locales he brought to our little southern Ontario ears. …
It’s 11 O’Clock. Do You Know Where Your Children Are?Read More »
It’s 11 O’Clock. Do You Know Where Your Children Are? Read More »
When it Comes to News, You Can’t Win
When our Mayor revealed his affair with his then-Deputy Mayor, we – as a news organization – were called names and overwhelmed with texts and social media postings about how awful we were to report it. Keep in mind that Matt Brown had gone from news organization to news organization on what I now refer to as his “apology tour”, and there were many questions about whether this affair affected city hall business. …
When it Comes to News, You Can’t Win Read More »
As Tragedy Unfolds
Yesterday was, of course, the 15th anniversary of 9/11. It was a day unlike any other, and for those of us in media, it was a workday unlike any other. Sometimes people fail to realize how difficult it is to sort out the truth when something of that magnitude is ongoing, minute by minute. …
As Tragedy Unfolds Read More »
All Hail the (temporary) Morning Queen!
There was a time when I would have campaigned to host my own morning show. Back then, the opportunity never really presented itself. Now it’s here, and it’s not what I really want to do! …
All Hail the (temporary) Morning Queen! Read More »