More Messages: We Can Handle the Truth

During the June 29 edition of Channel 2's late newscast, anchor Asha Blake introduced a segment on the latest unimportant story to clog up more than its share of national TV airtime: the messy departure of the terrifying Star Jones Reynolds from The View, ABC's long-running, self-satirizing daytime chat show...

By Michael Roberts

June 30, 2006

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During the June 29 edition of Channel 2's late newscast, anchor Asha Blake introduced a segment on the latest unimportant story to clog up more than its share of national TV airtime: the messy departure of the terrifying Star Jones Reynolds from The View, ABC's long-running, self-satirizing daytime chat show. After screening a seemingly endless clip of Reynolds justifying her actions in an appearance on Larry King Live, Blake asked cohort Ernie Bjorkman if he knew about some other tedious aspect of the contretemps. In response, Bjorkman offered perhaps the five sanest words heard on a local news program in recent memory: "I know I don't care."

Imagine how much better local TV news would be if more personalities trotted out this phrase after lengthy reports about events that don't deserve coverage in the first place, investigative segments that induce laughter instead of slackened jaws, and self-promotional puff pieces that embarrass everyone involved -- or should. So kudos, Ernie, and keep up the truth-telling. Howard "I'm as mad as hell and I'm not going to take this anymore" Beale couldn't have said it better. -- Michael Roberts

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

Contact: Michael Roberts

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