Notes From The News Director

KCPW's Slugfest 2008 Series Concludes

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 13:09:23 -0600

Of all the debates I had the opportunity to moderate, I can't say I expected the one for Salt Lake County Council At-Large Seat A to be the most contentious. Listen to incumbent Democrat Randy Horiuchi and Republican challenger Steve DeBry. You won't be disappointed.

Check out all eight of our debates.

Racial Politics in House District 49?

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 09:55:17 -0600

What kind of message are the Salt Lake County and Utah GOP trying to send out by posting online a cartoon of Jay Seegmiller as a dark skinned man with a black beard, instead of what he actually is -- a white skinned man with a white beard?

Check it out.

The web site, NoWayNoJay.com, declares that it's paid for by the Salt Lake County GOP. The cartoon says it was paid for by the Utah GOP.

You decide.

My Tribune Debut

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 10:57:00 -0600

Hats off to the Trib's Pat Bagley, whose work I greatly enjoy, for memorializing me in a political cartoon. I'm the one on the left...

(Are my cheeks that puffy?)

WWE: Salt Lake County Council Edition (Uncensored!)

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 10:48:29 -0600

"Don't you talk to me that way; I'll come over and kick your ass!"

You might expect this sitting ringside at a pro wrestling match, but the above gem was from Wednesday's Salt Lake County Council work session, courtesy of Jim Bradley, directed toward Mark Crockett. Playing referee in the background was Chairman Michael Jensen. This came during a conversation about who would serve on a committee creating a unified police district in the county.

Just keeping you informed about all levels of local government!

Is There Controversy Here?

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:07:11 -0600

As members of the media, we are required to look in the mirror as often as possible and figure out when we got things wrong.

Clearly, as the morning host, I've listened to Morning Edition's reports on the convention all week long, and am disturbed by one thing: NPR's continued insistence that there is "controversy" surrounding the pregnancy of Governor Sarah Palin's daughter.

Here is my question - when just about every Republican delegate and public official says they're fine with it, and on the Democratic side, Barack Obama himself says Palin's family is off limits and there will be no criticism from his campaign regarding this news, where is the controversy? Who finds it controversial?

As far as I am aware, NPR has played very few soundbites from anyone who is upset by this news. Overwhelmingly, the soundbites they play say this is a non-issue. Yet, I keep hearing that the convention was "rocked" by this news. I have to wonder why NPR continues to report on a controversy that does not appear to be a controversy.

My New Name Change

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 22:12:25 -0600

Apparently I've resigned, abandoned broadcast journalism and gone to work for the Trib. From the governor's monthly news conference at KUED:

Must say I'm flattered though; he does great work!

Local News Not Going Anywhere

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 11:18:00 -0600

As you may have noticed on the main page, we will be taking a break from The Public Square for a little while as we transition to new ownership under Wasatch Public Media. There are certainly plenty of questions to answer because of this, and I'd like to do what I can here on the blog.

Our committment to producing quality, in-depth local news is not going anywhere. We will continue to bring you both short-form and long-form news stories from the KCPW newsroom at the top of the hour and during Morning Edition and All Things Considered every day.

And every Friday from 11 to noon during the rest of the election season, I'll be doing live interviews with Utah's political candidates. You'll be able to call in and talk to them at 355-TALK.

We'll also be hosting a series of live, one-hour political debates in October at the Main City Library Tessman Auditorium, including the governor and county mayor's races, which have already been scheduled. This is your chance to see the candidates in-person, up close. More details will be available soon. We're incredibly excited.

Please continue to listen as we rebuild our staff during this transition time. We really do need and appreciate your support.

Please e-mail me at jrobinson@kcpw.org or Ed Sweeney at esweeney@kcpw.org with your concerns.

KCPW Webcasts Up and Running

Sat, 23 Aug 2008 13:17:41 -0600

In addition to posting the text of our daily stories, we now post the audio as well via our new KCPW Webcasts. They're available both on this site and via iTunes.

Let me know what you think. How can we improve the web site to allow you to get more out of visiting it?