Reporter's Notebook

WE ALL NEED REPORTERS

Much has been written lately about the death of newspapers and the alleged impending death of journalism as whole. It is interesting to me how, as this more and more becomes the information age, the people we have trained to be information gatherers, processors and story tellers are now somehow to be pushed aside for Twitterers and iReports.

Don’t get me wrong, I believe there is a place for Twitter, Facebook and iReports, but they shouldn’t be your source of reliable and accurate news. Remember the old adage, “Things are not always as they seem.” So it is with instantaneous “reporting” by Joe Citizen via his BlackBerry.

Yes, citizen reporters get some remarkable video and sometimes shed light on an otherwise clouded issue or event. But to really know what is going on at a City Planning Commission hearing or in backroom meetings in Washington, D.C., we need – you need – professional journalists who can discern an issue, track down a lead and turn it into a news story of value to you, the reader.

So as you hear about the impending closure or bankruptcy of another daily newspaper, remember that professional journalists – particularly those in print media – are, without question, a vital and important part of you being an informed and active member of your community.

If you’re reading this, you are most likely a member of the Southwest Washington business community. The Vancouver Business Journal (and VBJ Online) is your community newspaper and we will continue to strive to bring you the news that is important to our community and your business.

In return, we ask for your continued support of our efforts through subscribing, advertising and attending our business events. Which, by the way, make great Twitter fodder!

- Steve McDonagh can be contacted at smcdonagh@vbjusa.com