CTF spokespersons across Canada often hear similar comments. We're often told that the CTF doesn't "do" anything and that were "too negative." I was reminded of this yesterday after a conversation with a reporter from a major news outlet.
The reporter called to ask for our analysis of a document he had obtained from the City of Saskatoon. The document showed that city is having some success in controlling employee absenteeism. Turns out Saskatoon has reduced the average number of sick days taken by employees and the price tag for absenteeism.
This was significant to us because it was dramatically different from the provincial government where absenteeism has been steadily rising in most government departments. This issue was spearheaded by the CTF in some research we conducted (here and here).
The great news is that CTF watchdogging on absenteeism resulted in various levels of government tracking absenteeism and finding ways to reduce the costs associated with sick leave. Millions of tax dollars may be saved because the CTF found the government asleep at the wheel.
So back to the reporter from the major broadcasting company. He calls back after I had a chance to look at the documents and tack them up in my office for all to see. He asks me for my reaction and I said this is great news. The City of Saskatoon recognizes absenteeism as a legitimate management issue and is taking steps to reduce it.
He calls me back later and gets my voicemail. In the message he says they won't be doing a story on this issue. Something like:
"It's not that we don't like good news. It's just that it didn't really spark anyone's interest."
Saturday, December 17, 2005
On the media and advocacy
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7 comments:
If government and the MSM media did their jobs, the CTF would not be needed!
Canada (especially Saskatchewan) needs at least 10 more "watchdog" groups.
I agree: sheepple need wachdogs like the NDP needs sheeple.
This post was not intended to criticize the reporter. It is, after all, not a very interesting story. It's the nature of the beast. When people say the CTF is "too negative" they need to remember what makes it into the story and what doesn't.
Or is it a matter of you reap what you sow ?
Chad: The mantra "If it bleeds it leads" has been around since the first printing press was invented. The CTF wasn't around when that happened.
As a former reporter (stress on FORMER!, thank goodness), I can vouch that it can be very difficult to get 'good' stories into a newsrun. However, if the story is compelling, and is presented in a compelling way, it can be done. Fortunately for the CTF, David MacLean almost always (no one is perfect) does an excellent job of making newsworthy items compelling. Good work, David!
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