Front page Lancaster Sunday News article “Lancaster Newspapers names Barbara Hough Roda executive editor” was hardly a surprise since the Sunday News had mentioned Barbara Hough Roda’s promotion in last week’s edition when reporting on Ernie Schreiber’s second retirement.
Thus the leed (Yes, that is how a heading is spelled) would have been more accurate ‘Getting acquainted with Barbara Hough Roda’ . Nevertheless, the article was interesting and informative.
Here are excerpts:
“In her new role, Roda said she will oversee newsroom operations — ‘in all the ways we distribute news,’ through the print and digital realms — and seek to be a presence in the community…”
“In public appearances, she hopes to reinforce ‘the role we play’ and ask people how LNP can better serve them as the source for news and information in Lancaster County, she said.
” ‘We want to hear from print and LancasterOnline readers; we are eager for their story ideas,’ she said. ‘Moreover, we want them to let us know when we’ve done something well, and when we could have done it better…’ “
“Despite the challenges facing news outlets today, Roda said the future can be bright for operations such as Lancaster Newspapers that focus on local content.
” ‘There are always so many stories to tell, so much enterprise and investigative reporting to be done,’ she said.”
Roda’s stated agenda is inherently conflicting. To do “investigative reporting” is to upset a lot of readers and advertisers, clearly not her aspiration. Can we imagine the Sunday News running an editorial criticizing the undemocratic governance of Lancaster General Health? We believe the rest, but, with respect to this good intentions, we consider her a bit naïve.
We don’t blame LNP or Roda. They are in business. They need minimally to survive (while other local newspapers are falling) and hopefully earn a good profit. Much of their earnings go to the Steinman foundations and are channeled back into the community. So we benefit from having a source of local news and also from the Steinman family’s historic generosity and commitment to the community.
What saddens us is the lack of a source for uninhibited investigative reporting, which has led to greed and incompetence in one case or hubris in another to result in the squandering of public treasure.
NewsLanc leaders can help by recommending us to friends and by contributing comments, letters and articles. Thousands visit this not-for-profit web site each week; only a few help.
And to whom are we to pass the baton? This is a great concern.
It’s “lede”, not “leed”
EDITOR: Thanks.