Across The Media Universe: Courtroom Drama For News Addicts Edition
In particular, reports Editor & Publisher, Carroll also "points out that the number of foreign bureaus at the three major networks had 'dropped significantly since 9/11.' ABC, NBC and CBS all had six foreign bureaus by the summer of 2003, according to American Journalism Review, after ABC and NBC cut seven and CBS cut four bureaus since the 1980's." While such cutbacks might save money in the short term, Carroll argues that "higher quality employees, greater credibility and exclusive stories are all a result of having one's own staff providing good quality foreign news coverage. These benefits strengthen the medium as an organization and when factored into a cost-benefit calculation, the costs associated with producing good quality foreign news coverage begin to seem like a bargain."
Courtroom Drama For News Addicts: As the Scooter Libby trial drags on, the New York Times notes this morning that the case has already shaken the unofficial rules of engagement among reporters and confidential sources. One law school dean told the paper that the CIA leak investigation "has undercut the assumptions that existed for several decades that a reporter's promise of confidentiality is not only sacrosanct as a matter of journalistic ethics but relatively secure as a matter of law."
And with that, the Los Angeles Times reports that two New York Times reporters are being asked to reveal their sources in a trial. Attorneys for the co-defendant in the trial of indicted private investigator Anthony Pellicano are asking a U.S. District Court to demand the identity of the reporters' sources for an article published earlier this month.
"Evening News" Plateau: News about the "Evening News" is making the rounds today, based on an article in Broadcasting & Cable, which highlights an interview with CBS News and Sports President Sean McManus. He offers some insight into the "Evening News," telling the mag that despite much criticism in the press, there will be no major changes any time soon. "There was talk in the beginning about the nature of the show and it being a little soft, and we may have started off a little soft," said McManus. "But I think, if you look at the show now, the mix is where it should be and it is as hard as any other newscast at 6:30. We said from day one the show that you see in September is going to be very different than what you see in January or February, and it is."