A Former Political Hack
Profunksticated was among those surprised by the death of NBC’s Tim Russert. What was even more shocking to me as a former journalist was the over-the-top coverage of his passing, especially by Russert’s employer, the Peacock network.
It was as if NBC had forgetten that half of Iowa is under water, Boy Scouts are still dealing with the aftermath of a tornado that killed several of their fellow campers, and oh yes, the war in Iraq that continues to drag on with ne’er an end in sight. The question of whether Tim himself would have been embarrassed is raised here.
Among my first thoughts of hearing of Russert’s death was that he would miss covering a historic election night come November. Then I remembered, with some annoyance, that he was a lawyer and former political hack who made the switch to journalism in the early 1980s. I mean, he worked hard to become a well-regarded reporter and interviewer, but I can only think of the countless, more experienced, hard-working reporters the NBC honchos passed over to hire the relatively untested, unknown Russert.
Not fair, but that’s life. Russert’s story is why I would not recommend picking journalism as a college major. I think the situation is akin to the trained actor who is rejected by sitcom producers in favor of the standup comic.
On another topic, the social service firm gig is over, but I’ve gotten some other calls about possible positions. We’ll see. Meantime, I’m driving a Dodge Magnum rental while the Chevy van undergoes repairs.
I’m trained as a journalist, among other things, but some people are just gifted in certain areas. There’s no denying that. If you happen to major in an area in which you’re also gifted, you hit pay dirt. If not, you have to work ten times harder.
A, welcome back. I’ve been trying to dicern where I’m gifted. Other than interpersonal relations, I’m not sure.
Comment by A — June 20, 2008 @ 9:47 am