by Neena Strichart
Earlier this month I had the opportunity to attend the Long Beach Police Department’s Media Advisory Group’s quarterly meeting. Having participated in the past, I had an idea of the agenda and was prepared for a talk by Chief Tony Batts as well as some of his immediate staff and public information officers (PIO). I was also geared up for a rousing question and answer period with the queries coming from members of the invited media–including myself.
A dozen or so folks representing local media outlets or freelancing sat around the large table. Interspersed between us were Police Department personnel. The seating arrangements were perfect as it gave all of us a chance to get to know those representing “the other side.” Being a newspaper publisher married to a retired L.B. police officer (Steve served for 31 years) puts me in an unusual position. I don’t think I fit into either “side.”
I have listened to Steve’s war stories (some darn funny–others quite tragic) for the nearly 20 years we’ve been together. I know he was not the darling of the media as he has told me of many instances where he kept reporters and photographers at bay while he did what he deemed necessary to protect his crime scene. I have also heard the tales of media members who were also trying to do their job–but were pushed back by law enforcement. I know of many times where Steve was chastised by higher-ups for his actions. Nevertheless, Steve is Steve, and he still holds true to his beliefs.
Who’s right and who’s wrong in such instances? I wouldn’t even begin to endorse either side. I suppose I might feel strongly one way or another if I were running a daily newspaper or was not involved in the newspaper business at all. However, being the publisher of a weekly newspaper I find myself a bit in no man’s land because in many cases the local real hard news stories have been run by another agency days before we go to print. Because of our weekly status we understand we can’t always compete with up to the minute news coverage, and we don’t even try, but, what we do strive to do instead is give our readers information about local happenings and events that they may not find with any other news source. We are proud of what we do and are grateful for our loyal readers and advertisers. So with that said–I hope I continue to be invited to the chief’s quarterly media meetings. I enjoy the friendly debates.
P.S. Bolour and Associates are extending the deadline for their Bixby Point survey. Please take this opportunity to send in the form on page 6. Exercise your chance to be heard and help decide your retail future.
