I find it so very very sad the Traveler has taken the Jodi Sanderholm situation which was so difficult for this community and used to get awards for itself. I agree the newspaper did a good job in handling the situation and the news. However I think it is sickening that they took their stories and turned them just to place a plaque on their walls. Perhaps the Traveler doesn't so much care about the community, the family etc and only wishes to pat themselves on the back. SHould Channel 12 news also get awards for being her everyday and doing stories also????? Sorry Traveler but you messed this up.
My take... It seems that it takes the national or Wichita media's attention to get locals to respond. Notice that the county court system didn't sweep this one under the carpet and the local paper was all over it. What would have happened if the outside world was not watching? Just a thought.
The Traveler winning awards for coverage ( doing their jobs) doesn't bother me, It would of been nice that instead of taking a plaque that money could of been donated to Jodi's fund. I can't imagine but I'm sure they are feeling bittersweet about winning it... That being said...
I got into a discussion a few weeks ago with a family member about Jodi, I feel the media has been alright in coverage.. My family member thinks the media has sensationalized her death- "Media" I mean the Ark city Traveler- I think the coverage has been somewhat fair in that this kind of crime hasn't happened in our town, Our town is small and was shocked.. She was a smart, pretty girl with a lot going for her. But what I think is messed up is that when any girl has gone missing in Kansas- The paper runs to her family for an interview ( Case in point- Kelsey Smith/ Emily Sanders.. Just two that I can think from the top of my head.. Along with an interview on the ex AG's affair). I just think they should leave them alone, And I do fault them for all that. Anyways, The family member was upset that they have her picture still up on the front page website, Her point is... Why? Would any other newspaper leave someones picture up for over a year like they have? She thinks it's time for them to take it down. They've made a whole section with stories, ect. There isn't a need for that since people can do a search for stories via the website. When a child with cancer that has died, They don't put a picture up and what about a kid that was killed in a car wreck? No pictures.. Would anyone that was poor? Non-white? Would they have done the same for them? Would they still have a picture up for over a year if it was a poor african- american person? Someone from the wrong side of town? Someone that doesn't speak english? She's saying that anyone of color or someone that didn't come from money wouldn't get an ounce of coverage that Jodi did if the same thing would happen. They wouldn't be any less of a person than her, I would hope that they would get the same type of coverage.. But she has a point! Anyways- Back on subject- I just don't fault them on winning the award.
I guess I don't really fault them for winning the award but I think they have sensationalize the stories for their own benefits by nominating themselves. Any good media outlet would cover the story the way they did and not ask for a pat on the back. This is a crime that just doesn't happen in towns like ARk City so it did get lots of media coverage. And you probably right that because she was a good girl from a good family she did get more media attention. However my point was they used this story and this tragedy that was difficult for the family and the community to get recognition and that is what I find so sickening.
I guess I am just disgusted with a system which allows people like Justin Thurber to walk around as a free man committing crimes over and over again. I wish he was made to pay for his crimes and taught a lesson before he did what he did to Jodi. Perhaps the Traveler could write a story about that! Maybe they could look into how our courts are so leniant to criminals. Probably wouldn't win them any awards, but might do the community some good.
Here is how the award process goes. The staff sorts through their articles and pics and determines what they believe is the best. They send it off to the KPA where a collection of newspaper people assembled from all over sort through and choose the winners. Journalist have egos and it seems that the papers that have nothing or little to brag about take this opportunity to seek some sort of praise, since they can't get it from their readers. The Traveler is not in a category with the likes of the Wichita Eagle of KC Star. So even though they win awards, doesn't necessarily mean they are running with the big dogs. That group has a lot to learn as far as finding and reporting the news. The Sanderholm tragedy was easy for them. It was covered from head to toe by every type of media out there. Traveler reps were on tv shows such as Greta and they loved it I'm sure. But what is upsetting is all the everyday stories they don't get unless someone brings it to their attention in most cases. In my opinion, papers who sit around and wait for the news to come to them do not deserve awards. Sorry if I seem harsh but if and when the paper falls into the hands of a true newspaper group you will see the difference and understand what I'm saying. Another thing, 50 cents for that paper is to much.
