The next month, the State of Missouri’s newly elected governor, Eric Greitner, will be sworn in as the twenty-first Governor of the State of Missouri. There is much speculation as to whether or not he has the leadership skills and executive acumen that it takes to be the right person to lead the state of Missouri. Here is some of what s already in the June 21st edition of the Missouri Press News:
- The new statewide insurance commissioner, Patrick Dowdle, has taken over the press service from veteran reporter John backward. In his new role he will assume all of the responsibilities and powers of the outgoing commissioner, Thomas Earhart. In a press release, Dowdle made reference to the change as a “game changer.” This is indeed a welcome development in the conservative-leaning state that prides itself on tradition and good ole’ journalism.
- Earlier this year, the state learned the hard way, through the downfall of the Missouri broadcast school KTVX, that it had hired someone with questionable credentials as a radio show host. Later that same month, the state learned yet another news agency had fired a freelance journalist who also worked for the same broadcasting school. Both incidents underline the need for more ethical standards in public media, even for a professional such as a news agency.
- incumbent commissioner, Patrick Dowdle, is stepping down after serving one term. Many installing speculation that he will seek a second term. Many also speculate that he will use the opportunity to run for governor of the state in next year’s election. Whether his reasons are political or not, it is clear that change is upon us in the public media industry.
- News channels will no longer be solely left-wing or liberal-oriented. Fox News has already moved its Fox Business Channel to 11 stations, all but confirming the merger of cable news stations and a variety of new media sources. Similarly, CNN is moving its Americanews to wire service. Both stations will be scrambling to attract new customers in light of a tough economy and struggling news agencies. The pressure on news agencies will only increase in the coming years.
- Newspaper publishers are feeling the pinch as well. USA Today recently reported that the number of articles published by newspapers is on a downward spiral as digital publications catch up. They have also been forced to shed hundreds of jobs, mostly in advertising, as well as cut expenses like printing and shipping costs.