This past week, as we paid respects to Scott Countys most famous native son, Howard H. Baker Jr., I made an effort to read a wide diversity of print media to see how other parts of the country reported on the Senators legacy. I read the Knoxville News Sentinel, and thanks to online access, the New York Times, the Commercial Appeal in Memphis, the Journal-Constitution in Atlanta, the Washington Post, USA Today, and The Tennessean in Nashville. The feature articles and commentary by Paul Roy and Ben Garrett on the life and legacy of Senator Baker were more insightful, heartfelt and interesting than any coverage I could find . . . I am proud that our humble, remote place called Scott County produced one of the greatest statesmen in American history, and that a small-town newspaper in Senator Bakers own home county told the story of his life better than any other big-city print media in the whole country. Thats a portion of a letter I received yesterday from Judge Jamie Cotton. While Im not a fan of tooting ones own horn, its always nice to hear a compliment — especially since the big city papers are usually viewed as being more prestigious. Maybe they are, but that doesnt mean that their coverage is superior. Despite their larger staffs and expendable resources, the large market newspapers dont have the heart for the hometowns that skirt their markets that the community newspapers — with their small staffs and limited resources — have. Ive had the opportunity to accept jobs with much larger newspapers and have stayed put, in no small part because I love — and believe in — community journalism.
Posted on: Tue, 08 Jul 2014 15:59:02 +0000
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