Stepping into the Blogosphere
We're writing a new chapter in the history of WBTW.Beginning today, several members of our news team are posting blogs for the first time, publicly. We've actually been working on them for the past couple of weeks, leading up to today when we add them officially to scnow.com.
Blogs have added a new dimension to the world of journalism and interactive media. In just the past three years, bloggers have taken down Dan Rather, by exposing the former CBS anchor's faulty reporting on documents related to President Bush's service in the National Guard. Bloggers also went after a former CNN news executive, Eason Jordan, who was forced to step down after he allegedly said that American soldiers in Iraq had targeted journalists. The comments fueled an internet-based firestorm, and eventually led him to quit. Bloggers are also responsible for fueling much of the coverage that led to Florida Congressman Mark Foley's resignation after it was learned that he had sent sexually charged instant messages to a 16-year-old former page. There's no doubt, blogs are making an impact.
But there also the issue of credibility. With some many people saying so many things online - usually with no real accountability, who can you really trust?
That's where I think News 13 stands apart. Our viewers know us. We've been in the Pee Dee and on the Grand Strand for more than 50 years.
No, we're not perfect. We make mistakes, plenty of them. But for the most part, people in the Eastern Carolinas trust us to bring them local news, weather, and sports coverage they can count on.
It's my hope that our blogs will be an extension of that coverage. Anchors will be able to provide additional perspective on stories we may not have time to get to in our newscasts. Reporters will be able to post updates from murder trials and important council meetings, while they are still going on. In addition, you'll get a chance to learn more about who we are as people, and what we like to do outside of work. Our Managing Editor, Eric Walters, plans to blog on hunting and fishing. Our Sports Director, Matt Lincoln will tell you what he's "thinkin" when it comes to local sports.
Perhaps most important, it will give you, our viewers and web users, another opportunity to interact with us, and each other.
So welcome to scnowcommunity.com. We hope you enjoy your stay.
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on 09/25 at 02:57 PM
