My $.02: That Anchor Is A Jerk! So what?!?

There have been posts after posts on other blogs that specifically discuss television news recently about how horribly rude David Gregory of NBC/MSNBC is behind the scenes, during commercials, etc. I have been ignoring adding any of those entries which quote several sources that seem to confirm the information. Apparently, David Gregory is a JERK! While it has been filling up some blogs for weeks, I have refused to mention it. Today I reached my breaking point and decided it was time to add my two cents.

Maybe my opinion is shallow, but here it is summed up into 2 words: who cares? If being rude was a crime most of this nation would be in jail. If I had a nickel for every one of my coworkers who has been discourteous to me this year, I would likely be able to buy a nice steak dinner. Yet, I don't go home and read about their behavior on a blog. And why should I? I shouldn't. One of the rudest individuals I ever worked for was a brilliant meteorologist with quick wit and great camera presence. As a member of the viewing public, I would much rather watch someone who understands the workings of the atmosphere than someone who copies the National Weather Service forecast and adds pictures.

Don't get me wrong. I am not advocating for rudeness. Rude people grate upon my last nerve. In the arena of broadcast journalism, however, my main concern isn't their conduct off camera but how they conduct themselves on air. The exception to this would be if they were to do something that was illegal and break the law. Those individuals should be punished accordingly and details about their behavior is fair game. Some examples that come to my mind in this regard would be KOLR 10's Steve LaRocco or CNN's Richard Quest.

In short, I would much rather have someone bringing me the news that is talented, capable, and a little egocentric, than have to watch a bumbling idiot who can't string two words together who has never said a rude thing in their life bring me my headlines. So enough with all the posts about someone with an ego. How about a little bit more time on the important things: the coverage of the news itself? What a concept! A news blog covering the coverage of the news!

From Larry and Keith To Bill...

Fresh off of her interviews with Larry King and Keith Olbermann, Fox News has announced that Sen. Hillary Clinton will be interviewed by Bill O'Reilly and portions of that interview will appear both tomorrow and Thursday on his television show, The O'Reilly Factor. This will be her first appearance on the highest rated show in cable news. Sen. Barack Obama has yet to appear on the show.

The Blackout Is Over... Obama Arrives On Fox News Sunday

It had been 772 days according to the Fox News tracker. It had been that long since Chris Wallace, anchor of the program, challenged Sen. Barack Obama to appear on the Sunday show before he accepted. This morning the counting is over.

Appearing on Fox News Sunday, Obama pretty much killed the idea of any more debate with Sen. Clinton between now and the May 6th primaries in North Carolina and Indiana. He cited the fact that he and Clinton had already debated 21 times while Wallace seemed to indicate it was because of the fact that the last ABC debate went poorly for him.

If you miss the morning installments of Fox News Sunday w/Chris Wallace on your local FOX station, you can catch it again this afternoon 5 p.m. central time on the FOX News Channel.

FOX 4 Chief Meteorologist Ties Global Warming To... Hitler?

Wow!

Well, this isn't something you read about every day. Apparently FOX 4 Chief Meterologist Mike Thompson recently went on a rampage concerning global warming. He even went so far as to invoke the name of Adolf Hitler within his recent blog post.

What in the world is going on? I am not even going to wade into this deep water, but Bottom Line Communications has already done so. Here is their story on it.

Life Of Jason Added To The Blog Links

I know, I know... what has taken me so long. It is true that Life of Jason is a great blog! I hope that you will check it out by clicking on "Life of Jason" on the links to my right. His insight truly does conjur up some great online conversation.

University of Missouri Students Set Police Car Ablaze

The Columbia and Jefferson City television stations have been buzzing the last 24 hours with the news of 2 students setting an MU police car on fire. There is no word at this time exactly what their punishment will be for this crime. They were charged with 3 felonies. What is interesting is the difference in the story as reported on KOMU and KMIZ. It is obvious that apparently one has more insight into what actually took place than the other. I will let you decide which one is which.

For the details from KOMU, click here.

For the details from KMIZ, click here.

The story could not be found on KRCG's website.

I Guess The S In MSNBC is for Sports

MSNBC will be airing the US trials for the Olympic qualifiers on Sundays at 11 a.m. each week for the next 13 weeks leading up to the kick-off of the Olympic games. This weekend will be the first week, according to the press release from NBC. It will feature the women's marathon trials.

While it isn't news, I am thrilled that it isn't another edition of Lockup or MSNBC Investigates that the network is so famous for *insert sarcasm here*.

New Reporter at KY3

KY3 has a new reporter. Kristin Nelson joined "The Place To Be" this week, coming to the station from Traverse City, Michigan. According to her profile on ky3.com, she is a graduate from Michigan State University. Hopefully she will be right at home here in the Ozarks. Her complete biography is available here.

Pennsylvania: HILLARY WINS; CLAIRE SPEAKS

NBC and FOX NEWS have called Pennsylvania for Hillary Clinton. Nothing yet from CNN. The big question remains... by how much? Is it enough to keep the fight going for Sen. Clinton? Can she raise more money? So many questions... many more hours of coverage to come.

UPDATE (8:00 p.m.): KY3's David Catenese is reporting on his blog that Claire McCaskill will be speaking to KY3 live via satellite at 10 p.m. If it is an exclusive, that is quite a get for KY3.

Pennsylvania: TOO CLOSE TO CALL

No call by any of the news organizations this evening as the polls officially closed this evening at 7:00 local time. We shall see what happens as the night progresses. One has the wonder if Obama already being in Indiana is a good sign for his campaign and a bad one for Clinton.