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Trying to err on the side of more good news on front page
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Published: February 22, 2009
Today's Independent Tribune has a splashy photo of a local cheerleading team, celebrating a national championship, on the front page.
Some readers undoubtedly will wonder if the newspaper editor has gone off the deep end. I haven't.
The front page should be reserved for serious news about economics, crime and government, many probably are thinking at first glance. At least one curmudgeon will call and insist on putting future photos in the Sports or Lifestyle sections, not Page A1.
For other newspapers and editors, the supposition would be correct. All deal with serious topics and issues. It's our No. 1 responsibility to be watchdogs.
On the other hand, this newspaper is trying not to be predictable. We want to deliver more than stories of woe. It's my goal to report also on stories of joy and success, moments frozen in time as milestones.
The decision to play up the achievement of these 14-18-year-old kids shows one example of a commitment to community journalism. It does not have to bleed to lead our newspaper. Good news is better than bad, in my opinion, in inspiring you to read the newspaper.
Permit me to brag for a second. No other media understand Cabarrus people like we do. They might have a better travel section or book page. Their editor's column might be more thrilling than mine. But when it comes to seeing Cabarrus friends and neighbors in print or online, that happens routinely here, rarely elsewhere.
Every similar story will not run on the front page. Other athletes, cheerleaders and dancers in Cabarrus County have achieved success. Local men and women work hard and are rewarded for success all the time. They rarely make the front page. But this one was dripping with excitement. The joy on the kids' faces was too priceless to ignore. The parents were bursting with pride behind the scenes.
You have allowed us to peek through a window into your lives. I have had the pleasure of touring dozens of local places and meeting hundreds of people since I came back to Cabarrus County six months ago.
Some experiences have been as cool as the other side of the pillow. Some have been as sour as Yankee star Alex Rodriguez's disposition since he was exposed for using steroids.
All the opportunities offered the potential to find something I love: Stories of hopes and dreams. I am excited by determination. I am thrilled by underdogs. I am interested when interlopers challenge the establishment.
If I could wish anything for the community, it would be success for everyone. I'd like to run a story or picture about all of your friends and neighbors, if they're doing something newsworthy.
The economic downturn has affected all of us. In many ways, though, it is bringing out the best in us. In the last month alone, I have heard, read about and experienced remarkable things in Cabarrus County. Many of the stories have been in the newspaper.
Five of my other favorite community news stories this month:
-- A new president at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, Dr. Carol S. Spalding, has seen enrollment spike and funding tank during the economic tailspin. Instead of accepting the cuts and forsaking programs, Spalding and her Board of Trustees are leading an aggressive campaign to underscore the value of RCCC. There's no one better equipped to train a work force in transition than RCCC.
-- The Gem Theater announced a sensational promotion. The 7 p.m. Wednesday feature at the Kannapolis movie house is free. In appreciation of 72 years of support, owner Steve Morris launched "Recession Buster Wednesdays" on Feb. 18. "Gem of deal," which ran Feb. 11, was a great idea and a super front-page story in this market.
-- Kannapolis Intimidators President Brad Smith and Vice President Tim Mueller could have looked at this baseball season as a chance to cut back on promotions and treats for fans at Fieldcrest Cannon Stadium. Everyone else seems to be cutting back. Instead, they are planning more fireworks than ever, having scheduled 23 shows for 2009 in a 70-game home schedule.
-- Lowe's Motor Speedway allowed fans to buy five tickets to the Coca-Cola 600 for $50. Unbelievable to me. In addition, Lowe's non-profit group employment program is putting more than $750,000 into area charities, civic clubs and community groups at a time when most companies and philanthropists are reducing commitments.
-- Enrollment jumped 35 percent for spring semester at Cabarrus College of Health Sciences. The program, which offers nursing, medical assistant, occupational therapy assistant and surgical technology degrees, has been a boon for CMC-NorthEast, which operates the college and often hires graduates.
I ask reporters, editors and photographers to look for stories that set us apart. Increasingly, I hope those will be stories you don't know...about people, friends, companies and neighbors you do know.
We want your ideas. The cheerleader suggestion was e-mailed to me. We will not be able to pursue every tip, but go after the best ones.
Think of the cheerleader example the next time you're itching to call with an idea.
Managing editor James Bennett's column appears Sundays in the Independent Tribune. Contact him at jbennett@independenttribune.com or 704-789-9150.
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