Not all Bee readers are thrilled by its editorial pages, which is precisely why, when speaking to groups, I make a concerted effort to keep the focus on the paper as a news carrier. In two years, I've accepted about 60 speaking engagements from service, social, special-interest or high school and college groups. I also spend part of Wednesday mornings, from September through May, at an elementary school as part of The Bee's commitment to reading and literacy programs. The Coalinga Public Library is 92 miles from The Bee Building, and to contend the evening was worth the drive would be a bit Pollyanna. You guys don't try hard enough to get the other side.
Reporters now have their names and telephone numbers.
Generally, I talk for 20 to 30 minutes on why The Bee created the ombudsman's slot, ways for readers to access the ombudsman, and how and when reader reaction has caused change at the paper. I've also spoken to college journalism classes about the First Amendment, ethics and writing, and to special-interest groups on how they can better utilize the press. I also will remind them that Sioux City, Iowa, was added to the national weather report at the suggestion of but one reader, and about corrections and stories that have appeared because of a single reader's concern. It's important readers realize that sometimes it only takes one person to cause change. Normally, I reserve at least 10 minutes for questions from the audience.