reform local news television

Letter to the LA Times

Dear Editor,
I must commend the Times and young Andrew Barr [Give them quality and they will watch, April 16] for pointing to real solutions for the dismal state of local television media. We the people desperately need quality media journalism in a medium that is easily absorbed and presents local in-depth coverage. Local television stations have powerful resources, which are too often squandered on sensational or emotive stories of little significance. Instead, television media should report stories related to local and regional economy, public health, and government. Please spend more time on these issues and even consider highlighting "municipality of the week." In choosing to cater to an information-seeking and community-conscious audience, local television can attract an untapped demographic which seeks to avoid sensational, sound-bite-ridden video news releases.