Media

Jackson shines as gem of St. Louis TV news

Today, one of the gems of St. Louis TV news is Kelly Jackson. The weekend anchor for KSDK works part time, enabling her to anchor from early morning to late at night. If Channel 5 is making a mistake with her, it is not having her as a full-time anchor. Jackson combines her superb reading skills with a delightful personality. She knows how to be serious when appropriate and can engage in friendly banter with the sports and weather people as if we, the viewers, are in the room with her.

Media

NRA influence on gun control debate belies myth of majority rule

Almost every U.S. schoolchild knows that democracy means “the people rule” or “government by the people,” or some variation on that theme. Right? Well, not really. The world is a lot more complicated than that and includes the fact that intense and mobilized minorities exercise an impact on public policy far in excess of what their numbers of members or sympathizers would justify. Nowhere is this political weight and outsized impact on public policy more clearly evident than in the debate and conflict over guns and gun legislation. The National Rifle Association (NRA) is one of the most powerful and well-financed interest groups in Washington, or in any state capital. It works consistently and effectively to define the framing of the gun control debate, and to ensure that federal and state policies reflect its preferences.

Media

Breathless coverage of Obama 'scandals' overlooks key facts

The press has been breathless in its coverage of the three “scandals” that plague the first months of President Obama’s second term. It has been especially hyperbolic in covering the issue on which it has a direct interest: subpoenas of reporters. Americans are told that the scandals are another Watergate, that Obama is Nixonian, that Obama will be forced to appoint a special counsel, that the president’s entire second term could be destroyed by the IRS, Benghazi and press subpoenas episodes. It is hardly noticed that there is no evidence of criminality or presidential involvement in any of the alleged misdeeds.

Media

Aficionados agree: Great writing makes for good food journalism

Consumers are increasingly interested in learning about food preparation and production. Writing about food is an expanding area for journalists. Many “foodies” can satisfy their appetites to learn more through locally produced newspapers, magazines, online blogs and television segments. The Society of Professional Journalists, St. Louis chapter, recently brought together three area food writers to talk about trends in food news.