"News" v. Commentary

The Humboldt Beacon, in its May 4, 2006 issue, had a front-page story on Rio Dell's interim city manager, and concerns by the Wolff family as to the propriety of the interim city manager's appointment.

As you will see from my letter to the editor, below, which the Humboldt Beacon printed (not available in the Beacon's online edition) in its issue of May 18, 2006, this was a great opportunity to ponder the question of the difference, or perhaps the balance, between news and commentary.

Kudos to the Humboldt Beacon for printing my letter, and without any flippant non sequitur afterward.

TLC

____________________________

Dear Editor,

Your front page pseudo-news article on events in Rio Dell (May 4, 2006) contained several fascinating passages, most infamously: “Steven Wolff verbally attacked several Rio Dell functionaries loudly and in very strong language, forcing his juvenile children to join in a youthful chorus of agreement”

How exactly did Mr. Wolff accomplish this act of “forcing” upon his children—how was the will of these fragile innocents bent to his dominance? With a gun? A bat? Grabbing them by the throats? Threats of severe bodily violence? Puppet strings?

Given that, according to your piece, Mr. Wolff was conducting himself in a most improper manner toward innocent children, I expected to see a picture of Mr. Wolff being hauled off in handcuffs by the police for his cruelty. But lo and behold, no picture, no arrest.

Could it be that there was no “forcing” of Mr. and Mrs. Wolff’s children into anything?

If you cannot afford to hire a bona-fide Reporter capable of covering news accurately and impartially, you should skip covering events where such a person is needed, and maintain a shred of journalistic integrity. One would not expect, or want, a legitimate reporter to have a mind shaken clean like an Etch-A-Sketch. On the other hand, the bias and agenda in your commentary-not-marked-as-such, was completely over the top.

Sincerely,

Terry Lee Clark