Media discussion reveals earnest group

Say what you will about the local media -- and I know some people don't look upon us kindly -- but you can't say we don't take our job seriously.

In July, I participated in a panel discussion of Southeast Missouri media representatives, including Mike Smythe and Jeff Cunningham of KFVS, Faune Riggin of KZIM-960 and former Business Today editor Laura Johnston. (That's right, former editor. I'll get to that in a minute.)

I've taken shots at the local media in the past -- who hasn't? -- but the hour-long discussion in front of a group of Cape Girardeau leaders was earnest, honest and compelling.

There was a fascinating discussion of minority coverage, news judgment and the allegedly uncrossable line between advertising and news. Each media outlet also suffered a few bruises: At KFVS, it was the suggestion that the television station pays more attention to Southern Illinois than Southeast Missouri. At KZIM, it was the fact that their weatherman lives thousands of miles away, yet tells us when it's raining. There also was a spirited hate-fest heaped upon Speak Out, the Southeast Missourian venue that allows callers and e-mailers to have their opinions printed anonymously.

But barbs are OK. The media certainly throws enough of them, so we should at least endure them with as much grace as we ask others to muster. The barbs also serve as another reminder that people have strong feelings about their local newspaper, television and radio stations.

That's what makes the media's responsibility so great. Providing accurate, honest and newsworthy information is a serious business.

It's a responsibility I intend to take seriously as the new editor of Business Today. Laura Johnston has taken a job at the University of Missouri-Columbia, where she will be an editor of the university-run Columbia Missourian newspaper.

So the powers-that-be asked if I would be interested in taking the reigns.

Naturally, I was.

As the business editor at the Southeast Missourian, I've long admired the magazine and kept mental notes of the types of stories I would like to do, if I were ever asked to be editor. You'll see some of those ideas in the coming months.

I plan to utilize the same philosophy to the magazine that I have with the newspaper -- bringing in-depth looks at business issues, trends and people that affect the Southeast Missouri business community.

We also want to keep it fun. This issue, for example, centers on outdoor recreation. A survey in 2000 reported that sixty-six percent of the American public participates in some kind of outdoor recreation at least several times in a month.

Our own state and area offer a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. But it's also a big business. In 2002, visitors spent a total of $410 million on trips to Missouri State Parks. Visitors to over-night parks spent $280 million, visitors to day-use parks spent $83 million and visitors to historic sites spent $47 million.

Locally, we see a lot of money spent by outdoor enthusiasts as well. And we all know that the golf course long ago has surpassed the boardroom as a place where business deals are cemented.

So this issue deals with some of those issues. Upcoming issues will focus on real estate development, women in business and dining and entertainment.

But I see it as your magazine. I'd love to hear your ideas and my contact information is listed below this column every month. So drop me a line.

The media is admittedly flawed but crucially important. We at Business Today strive to keep the mistakes to a minimum while giving you up-to-the-minute news that affects you and your competitors.

Fasten your seat-belts. It should be a fun ride.

Scott Moyers is editor of Business Today. Contact him at smoyers@semissourian.com or 335-6611, extension 137.