That's Not News!

"That's not news," and "It must be a slow news day," two of my least favorite phrases that I've heard from time to time as a news reporter in Abilene.

The first phrase, "That's not news," makes me laugh because in most circumstances the person that says this is usually hiding something. On several occasions, we'll (as a News Department) get calls in from viewers that are either witnesses, customers, patients, etc. that see or hear something going on in the community. As a journalist, it is my responsibility to check up on it. Granted, in some instances it turns out to be nothing, but in others it can turn out to be a big something.
When we seek out information about something, it is not our goal to shine someone or something in a negative light. We never gain anything from that. It is our job, as Abilene's news to bring viewers information that reflects what is or isn't going on in the Abilene community.

The other one, "It must be a slow news day!" On the outside, it would appear that some newscasts are filled with more crime events, rather then other current events happening around town, whereas some days, there may be little crime reports and more political stories, etc. This is what I love about the News business. You never really know what you're going to get. On most work days, I dig and develop my own stories after talking to my sources here in Abilene, and try to create a story that shows and tells you about it. And then on other days, we have to react to whatever is going on (ie a fire, a riot, or a drug bust).
Back to the phrase,"It must be a slow news day," I have also heard this from people when they don't want a story to be done on whatever it is that is happening or happened. Especially, when people decline to do an interview about it or don't want to give up any information, in my eyes it makes them look guilty. Is there something that they are hiding? People, businesses, and yes (journalists included) make mistakes, but in my mind not owning up to them is the worst.

For the most part, people in Abilene have been more then willing to do interviews or give information, regardless of the circumstance (and I for one, am very appreciative of that). I have found that people tend to be more open and honest here, then other places I have visited. But, with all jobs...there are just some things you come across that bug ya. Don't get me wrong, everyone is entitled to their views and opinions and I respect that. My opinion on "That's not News," is that's not true. If the story is reflective of something happening in Abilene, "It's News." And "It must be a slow news day," well...there really is no such thing. Again, in most cases we really have no control of the stories that happen in Abilene, it is just our job to find them and bring you the facts.