TV News Chestnuts: Predictable Story #3--Big Event = Big Money in Sioux Falls
As a former TV newsperson, there are some stories you can just about count on from the local media.
- After a tragic death, the survivors or families of the victim achieve “closure” (whatever that is) after the funeral, trial, or storm.
- The rush to the post office before midnight April 15th to file federal income tax returns.
- A big event is slated for Sioux Falls over a weekend and it always brings in over a million dollars to the region’s economy.
- The mall is busy on Black Friday after Thanksgiving.
- Gas prices go up and the man/woman at the pump doesn’t like it.
- This election (whichever one it is during an even numbered year) is the most important in state history.
- When it is hot, people think it is too hot.
- When it is cold, people think it is too cold.
- When it is dry, people think it is too dry.
- When it is wet, people think it is too wet.
There are probably several more. Include your chestnuts in the comments and I’ll add them in a later post.Today on KELOLAND news, we got to see an example of Story #3—big event comes to Sioux Falls and it means big bucks for the city. This week it is a soccer tournament (which I am refereeing in, BTW).
Here’s how it always go. You can basically just substitute the name of the event.
__________ event will attract ___________ people to Sioux Falls this weekend. They will spend __________ million dollars. This is good for Sioux Falls.
The names change and the events change but it is always the same story.
Please, someday, humor me and change this ritualized kubuki theater of reporting and say something surprising like, “While 3,000 visitors from the National Widget Lovers Association will converge on Sioux Falls this weekend most residents do not know what a widget is, don’t give a damn about widgets, or will wonder why all the restaurants are busier than usual on 41st Street.”
Come on, there has to be some other angle to these stories!
Technorati Tags: lazy reporting, Sioux Falls media, community events, economy, journalism
Posted on Saturday, June 14, 2008
by
Todd Epp
in S.D. Press, Media, Community Events, Technology
|
8 Comments
Todd Epp
in S.D. Press, Media, Community Events, Technology
|
8 Comments
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Reader Comments (8)
Ike will be on field 8 at three tomorrow and field 9 at 7 hope to see you there IKE
when you were in TV News did YOU ever do these stories in a more original way ? if so, how about an example. Also, and i do not wish any disrespect to interns but is it really fair to bring this up during the summer time when these TV stations are basically run by interns... i mean, is it fair to expect the interns to come up with original angles when the full-time reporters on TV can't seem to do it?
Oh, pardon me. I forgot that kelo did a story on sex offenders a few weeks ago and how they might be living near you (and me!) . so that was at least one story no one else has done.
2 other things: you do realize that by criticing kelo, you are attacking my family. also, i do enjoy it when the morning show people type into their lap tops to look something up on live TV in an attempt to make it appear they are doing "research" . i agree with you they should quit the boring crap or people will go to the blogs - IF the blogs would actually pick up the phone and call someone for some facts instead of just saying "rumor on the street is (fill in the blank). when is the last time you actually called someone and told your blog readers what that person said as opposed to simply floating rumors?
the thing i wonder about the most is all the puff-puff non-stories and the lack of non-intern reporters, especially during the summer months... seriously, why does kelo think people will continue to watch when interns give viewers stories with just one person interviewed (if we're lucky) who says basically nothing (or something overly obvious) ?? this is the real question, todd, and i would appreociate your insight on this one. keep up the good work!
If you can't play it coach it.
If you can't coach it criticize it.
I call people all the time about stories and rumors and they call me all the time. I have a news staff of 1--me. The TV news operations and newspaper have far more resources.
Saying that we should not criticize interns for boring stories doesn't help the interns. They are hoping to get a good tape so they can get a real job. Boring stories told in boring ways doesn't get you hired. And yes, I used to go through those tapes.
Alter Ego, you're just incorrigible.
And I guess by criticizing KELOLAND, I have also criticized myself as I am a distant relative in the KELOALND family--kind of like Cousin Eddie is to the Griswolds on the National Lampoon Vacation movies.
Is it wrong to expect better from our local media? Is it better to expect more from me and other bloggers? I don't think so.
Todd Epp
TV Criticism and TV Dinners Editor
SD Watch http://www.southdakotawatch.net
Todd.... you totally forgot these local stories that show up time and time again....
Start of Summer = start of construction season...
Holiday weekend = busy highways... let's ride with the highway patrol and see what they have to say about the busy roads....
And... of course.... winter road conditions.... it's so bad out here... stay in your home.... buy extra groceries... it's armageddon... but it's okay for us to drive this big old live truck and park it along side the interstate just to show you how bad it is.