AI OMG
The other day I watched George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden eat tacos and laugh. Mocking, of course, the Cheeto in Chief’s latest nickname: TACO. (Trump Always Chickens Out.)
…journalism
Joining the Flock at Shepherd
A while back a website owner contacted me with a proposition. That usually means it’s spam. But this was real.
…Joining the Flock at Shepherd Read More »
Katie Couric’s and my Careers
I just finished Katie Couric’s 2021 autobiography, Going There. And I was amazed at how many similar experiences we had in broadcasting and journalism.
…Katie Couric’s and my Careers Read More »
Life Got Lifey This Week
I almost didn’t post a blog today. I had several ideas, all of them bad. And it’s the idea that’s the most difficult part of being a writer. Once an experienced writer gets a great idea, the words spill out like too much water overflowing a cup.
…Life Got Lifey This Week Read More »
Book Review – The Trauma Beat by Tamara Cherry
As a news anchor (and previously an occasional reporter), I always tried to keep in mind that the subjects of news stories were real people. They were only human, and might be living their worst day as their name – or the name of a loved one – made the news.
…Book Review – The Trauma Beat by Tamara Cherry Read More »
My Top Pro Tip for More Powerful Writing
Something I’ve learned about writing is, it’s better to use specifics than generalities. And that being vague is the worst of all writing sins.
…My Top Pro Tip for More Powerful Writing Read More »
Sentiment and Sensibility
It’s not really possible for journalists to be unbiased. Everyone has a bias. The goal for journalists is to overcome their bias for their work. They can do it. And I’ll show you how.
…Sentiment and Sensibility Read More »
Rhetorical Questions
When did being progressive become a bad thing? …
Rhetorical Questions Read More »
Love’s Labour’s Lost
It’s possible that I’m falling out of love with my first love: media. Okay, you got me. My first love was Donny Osmond but that was unrequited so it doesn’t count. Media has mostly loved me back even when I thought I was unlovable. Media has kept me guessing, engaged, interested and energized. And it’s not even media’s fault that my feelings are changing. It’s the fault of its wild child, social media. …
Love’s Labour’s Lost Read More »
Kinder and Gentler
It was tempting to write a scathing column about the coming end of Our London and other newspapers. …
Kinder and Gentler Read More »
Our London No Longer
“Increased geographic synergies”. Just typing that bullshit sentence makes my blood pressure spike. Yesterday, Torstar and Postmedia swapped nearly two-dozen newspapers for the sole purpose of shutting them down, and reducing competition. Hundreds of people will lose their jobs, including my friends at Our London, for whom I write a biweekly column. They have about six weeks left before the padlock goes on the door. …
Our London No Longer Read More »
The Reality of Fake News
A couple of weeks ago, The Toronto Star’s Public Editor nailed it in an editorial on an issue that’s been bugging me but I didn’t quite click the Lego pieces together as well as she did. The gist is this: there’s a misunderstanding about what fake news is. …
The Reality of Fake News Read More »