From the blog of retired news editor Tom Moore

good place to start a newspaper....

by tom moore

I've kept quiet over the years--retired for 20 years--but the latest move by the Beacon Journal (where I spent 30 years) is one of the worst journalism decision that I've seen over the years of downsizing and filling space with long stories that should rate no more than 8 to 10 inches.
    That gets you more space for more stories and hopefully, something that might attract a reader/
    But the lack of  a local byline and photos from the Chardon shootings--a national story right in our backyard--has got the be the worst decision by the folks in charge.
   When you see from wire services, that means all the stuff you're reading was culled from wire services and any other sources that doesn't use man power. And to use photos from other sources when the BJ has some great photographers still trying to do a good job.
     And, let's add, reporters  (true fewer) who do the best they can but can't do anything without the right direction.
  I"ve stopped saying I worked at the BJ. Why?
   People are always saying what's happened to the paper. It's not worth the paper it's printed on. There's nothing to read (except for the paid obits)....
   I know its all about money these days, but you've got to give readers something to read...especially when the biggest  story of  the year happens in our backyard.
   Too bad there isn't somebody who wants to run a "READ" newspaper here.