I understand why people may not like cable news. But disdain for local journalists always confuses me.

People who work in local media don’t make very much money. They’re not famous. And they work a really difficult job. They don’t do the job for prestige or influence. They do it because they have a calling to serve their community.

I remember the first time one of my journalism professors told the class point-blank “if you can see yourself doing any other job, do that.” It wouldn’t be the last time I heard it. It’s pretty good advice!

2020 is shaping up to be a rough year for local media. There are plenty of examples of how coronavirus-driven downsizing is already forcing journalists to take a pay cut or lose their jobs. https://m.clevescene.com/scene-and-heard/archives/2020/04/07/plain-dealer-put-out-to-pasture-in-final-death-blow-remaining-reporters-given-impossible-choice

Despite this, local journalists continue to do outstanding work, despite many of the restraints they have to endure from their corporate overlords. Because they care!

Yet it seems some people, including elected officials, think journalists are more focused on maintaining a mythic and undefined “agenda” than doing their jobs.

Local journalists are essential workers doing a difficult job that requires long hours for low pay and very little credit. Can we please stop acting like they’re the Illuminati or something?