It's difficult to find a good local news station in Boston.
The network affiliates -- ABC, NBC and CBS -- have flaws, but FOX, after seemingly showing potential, has moved to the bottom of the list because of the sophomoric antics of the morning crew.
Case in point is how they fawn over the fact that their producers land celebrities, then turn vindictive and mean when they're done interacting with their guests.
Recently, traffic reporter Doug Meehan and anchor Kim Carrigan took turns poking fun of guest Molly Ringwald, after her appearance on the set. Meehan was the worst culprit, making fun of Ringwald's "bug eyes."
Very unprofessional.
This week, the legendary Barry Manilow made an appearance to promote his new CD. Not surprisingly, Meehan led the fifth-grade antics by referring to Manilow as "an alien" (after Manilow was off the set).
Who are these people to judge others' appearances? This is not good journalism. It's simply child-like. It's mean. Where is management? Where are ethics? Whatever happened to the five "W's" of journalism (who, what, why, where, when)?
Meehan's insecurities are clear. He has doubts about his own appearance, so it's easy to pick on how someone else looks. It's so transparent.
Then again, how can you take someone seriously who was seen dancing to Bryan Adams -- the opening act for Def Leppard, and bragging about it on the air the next day. Turns out Meehan didn't even stay for Def Leppard. He was there with FOX news anchor Gene Lavanchy, both of whom admitted they were there to see Bryan Adams.
The thought of Meehan and Lavanchy dancing to "Summer of '69" and high-fiving each other is nauseating.
That alone is reason to turn the channel. Or turn off the TV.
Right now it's clearer than ever -- the best way to get local news is online, without the food-fights, note-passing and spitballs.
Where have you gone, Walter Cronkite.
Well played, Dan.
Local news is challenging to sit through in the best of circumstances. "If it bleeds it leads" is one thing; but the unseemly glee that these anchors and reporters can't quite conceal as they sift through the bin of human tragedy leaves the viewer feeling strangely complicit.
I've forwarded todays' entry on to Fox25; maybe something will come of it.
Posted by: Richard | January 27, 2006 at 02:38 PM
Cool post, Dan. I think local news pretty much stinks everywhere, but you should expect more from a major market like Boston. Of course, I don't watch Fox News for political reasons... ;)
Posted by: Christine | January 28, 2006 at 11:40 AM
Stop the madness and let's get back to good reporting.
Posted by: Dan | January 28, 2006 at 11:47 AM
"Where have you gone, Walter Cronkite."
Um, I think to NPR.
I've heard his voice there a few times anyway and it's very reassuring.
Okay serious face on: It's give the people what they'll watch.
I stopped with the local stuff after the novelty of "Action News" wore off (and I grew up sitting by the glow of the evening news).
And as for what's-his-name your local anchor?
Let's just say, I'm familiar with Molly Ringwald, Barry Manilow, Bryan Adams & Def Leopard (ok, not so much Def Leopard tho' I know a bit about them--just wouldn't know them specifically w/out someone saying who they were).
I've never heard of your guy. He's a loser who shouldn't ever get beyond a local market--but if he does--shame on us.
Posted by: Cyn | January 28, 2006 at 11:21 PM