Back in the day when newspapers ruled, whenever there was a major breaking story someone would cry: "Stop the presses, breakup the front page." I can only wonder if the death of a singer would have caused such a commotion back then?

Today, newspapers are dying and television news from the network to the local station are struggling. Why?

Take a moment to think about the so-called "wall to wall" coverage of the death of Michael Jackson, apparently from natural causes-- still to be determined as of this writing. Again I ask why?

The decision makers, i.e. news directors will claim this is what their viewing audience wants. I believe the truth is elsewhere.

First, the heard mentality. Reporters have always competed with each other, trying to beat each other to advance a story. Nothing new here. What is tragic is the definition of news today and how it is reported.

Second, concerns about what the other stations are doing. Are they live? Do they have a chopper overhead? How many reporters on on the story? True enough when covering something like a wild fire that is consuming neighborhoods, but the death of a singer. Or last years ridiculous coverage of another singer's mental breakdown?

There can be no argument that Edward R. Murrow is the dean of broadcast journalism-- more godlike really. And it is Murrow in his own words who warned us in a speech to the Radio Television News Directors Association 50 years ago that what is happening will happen.

Murrow said, ". . . And if there are any historians about fifty or hundred years from now, and there should be preserved the kinescopes (film machines) for one week of all three networks, they will there find recorded in black and white, or color, evidence of decadence, escapism and insulation from the realities of the world in which we live." I have included a link to Murrow's speech below.

The very definition of decadence is the coverage of Michael Jackson's natural death not just because he was a popular singer-- but also suspected in child molestation's-- never convicted though. The breathless reporting on mainstream newscasts stories that Britney Spears didn't wear panties could only be described as decadent!

Sadly, Murrow's prediction came true in spades-- note that he gave this speech fifty years ago.

Murrow's point was not only to warn, but to push for responsible news reporting; investigative pieces on subjects that while a large audience isn't guaranteed, those who do watch will be better informed or perhaps better warned. So instead of using their considerable resources from the networks including cable news to local stations to gather and present the serious news that truly affects our lives, broadcasters chose instead to go all out so they could out do the competition on the natural death of a singer.

http://www.rtnda.org/pages/media_items/edward-r.-murrow-speech998.php

Critics! Please let us remember what President Teddy Roosevelt said, "It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best , knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat."

Next Show, June 26, 2009

Wow! What a line up for my next show.

First, we revisit the Armed Citizen discussion-- this time El Paso County, Colorado Sheriff Terry Maketa speaks for himself. The sheriff blows the lid of of the emotional and hysterical anti-gun nuts arguments for gun control. This is a must hear interview.

Next up, an interview with Bill Rhett, Hi-Caliber Investigations. Bill retired from the LAPD and is now a very successful criminal defense investigator. Some would say, "how could he." Bill can answer that question for himself.

Finally, the second half of Rod Bernsen's Street Stories will deal with the recent so-called investigative report broadcast on Chicago's local Fox station.

This is a perfect example of a totally bogus effort to make the cops wrong when they aren't. Also I will use this story as the poster child with what is wrong with local news-- especially when they cover the cops. Here's a hint: Beautiful women in short skirts. Tragically, that probably got your attention.

Tune in for more, www.talkradioone.com, Friday night, 7:00 p.m. Pacific an 8:00 p.m. Mountain.

Armed Citizens and The Myth of Racial Profiling

Join me Friday night at 7:00 pm (PDT), 10:00 pm (MDT) for the second edition of Street Stories. This week El Paso County Sheriff Terry Meketa joins me with proof that armed citizens make are there when his deputies can't be. Also, like Global Warming, the myth of racial profiling remains alive just because people want to believe there really is such a thing-- but without any credible evidence it even exists.

You can email me at: rods.streetstories@gmail.com

CRIME, GUNS, AND VIDEOTAPE: Chicago Cops Having too Much Fun?

CRIME, GUNS, AND VIDEOTAPE: Chicago Cops Having too Much Fun?

First Show

Tonight will be the first show on www.talkradioone.com-- thanks to Marc Germain who is better know as Mr. KABC and before that as Mr. KFI.

Tonight I will set the tone, give a little background on myself then jump right into it. Off the top, the Ricci case before the U.S. Supreme Court. Hartford, Conn. Fire Lieutenant Ricci brought suit alleging reverse discrimination. With the grace of God and sound reasoning, the Supremes will finally put an end to discrimination of any type and KILL all affirmative action programs--PERIOD.

In the second half of the hour, I take a look at the deplorable condition of the Fourth Estate. From failing newspapers to network news to local television news. Of course I give my thoughts on how it happened, e.g. the mainstream press in the tank for the democrats in 2008 sure didn't help themselves.

Next week: Guns-- why all the good guys should have one and be prepared to use them. Plus razor sharp opinions on news of the week.

Back On The Air

CORRECTED EMAIL ADDRESS:

Join me every Friday night at 7:00 p.m. PST (Los Angeles) for my talk show: STREET STORIES. Go to: www.talkradioone.com. I will be talking about topical issues, especially news that affects police officers. I will compare what coppers were like and had to do back when I was a LAPD officer and sergeant to the complexities coppers face today.

For those of you who know me you will not be surprised to see my expression and hear my opinions on this Blog and on the show.

Of course I invite one and all to comment here or by emailing me directly at: rods.streetstories@gmail.com