I am always puzzled by the many perceptions of the media.
There have been numerous events by various industry groups with the goal to develop a better understanding of newsrooms and their practices through seminars, workshops and roundtables. These are usually sparsely attended but they are always well received and greatly appreciated.
Not all media is “out to get you” or has a bias to your message.
It’s not their goal, nor would it ever be beneficial as many think. Sensationalizing a story to attract readers usually will generate a spike in readership, but it wears thin after a while. The public is too savvy for such behavior and will retreat faster than you can send a “re-up” notice.
On the other hand, not many legitimate news sources will survive filling their space with press releases unless they are designed for that.
Most publications and news sources, especially in our market, know that delivering detailed and accurate information first will develop consistent, dedicated and long-term followers.
With the current economic picture, many newsrooms are understaffed and operating on a very lean editorial budget. That doesn’t mean they do it wrong — it means they just can’t do as much.
That’s where you come in.
While we in the media very much appreciate input, too many times the public tries to determine “what news is.”
That mentality often results in hundreds of emails and calls daily to editors touting “the next great thing.” Or that a certain issue or person “needs” coverage when in reality, the message, at best is not a high priority, and, at worst, is not news at all.
Sometimes there is legitimate news to be shared — and the industry is appreciative — but no media outlet wants outside interests to tell them what “news” is any more than you want a homebuyer telling you that they can afford your listed house if you were to lower your commission.
Besides supporting the advertisers in a publication, what we would like is for readers to share their constructive thoughts. It doesn’t hurt to submit ideas and understand that a professional will determine if it has merit.
If it does, it’s then confirmed, developed and used.
If it is determined to not be of use, don’t be offend — it really is nothing personal. Keep sending submissions.
In the real estate industry, if you don’t get a listing you don’t quit. You go find another.
I have had numerous conversations with readers about stories and I willingly share my thoughts. I am copied on hundreds of emails every day, and I follow up on the status of many as they work their way through our system to get to print.
Accuracy, fairness and balance that informs and educates our audience is always our goal.
With the Daily Record, by the time we are ready for press with Mondays edition, the editorial staff is well on their way compiling the many meetings, events, announcements and interviews about business and government to meet the deadlines for Tuesday’s paper and beyond. To accomplish that, they have to interview, write, confirm and verify everything they submit. It’s then verified again with no fewer than four sets of eyes reading every story.
As a multiple-time winner of the Laurel Award for publications in our area, I hope you will continue to support the advertisers of Realty Builder Connection, Deborah Metzig, who has made the real estate community her passion and mission, the editorial staff, the graphic designers, the pressmen and delivery personnel who ensure the complete package arrives every month without delay.
As publisher, I take full responsibility when one element of our process is jeopardized — much like you do in your industries — but I can honestly say that by developing a team that understands and embraces the core values of our company, they have never failed. To them, I am grateful.
— Jim Bailey is publisher of Realty/Builder Connection and president of Bailey Publishing & Communications Inc. He can be reached at [email protected].