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Top editors answer questions and talk about The N&O's print and online news reporting. Contributors are John Drescher, executive editor, and senior editors Dan Barkin, Steve Riley and Linda Williams. Email John with questions or suggestions.
The moderator of TriangleMom2Mom.com -- Sarah Lindenfeld Hall -- has created a forum about Gov. Sarah Palin. If you want to weigh in on what you think of the choice, and what you might think of the news about her daughter's pregnancy, go here.
Dan Barkin, a senior editor, is a veteran of more than three decades in journalism and came to the N&O in 1996 as business editor. He holds a bachelor's in business administration from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va., and a master's in journalism from the University of Maryland. He and his wife live in Clayton with their two cats. 
Comments
George
Wed, 09/10/2008 - 15:51 — DebrahI certainly agree that this individual needs to be held accountable.
Ted Vaden will need to explain how anyone can trust coverage with such an editor.
So comfortable in their own milieu of bigotry that this kind of dialogue is sent out in a professional capacity.
The issue becomes....why the silence?......why the cowardice from the culprit?
This top N&O employee frankly disgusts me because their own declasse and jaded prism is the one through which the news will flow.
I'd bounce this person immediately.....no questions asked.
internal memo
Wed, 09/10/2008 - 15:21 — George (not verified)Re the internal memo that is referenced here and has been verified as NOT being authored by John Drescher, it is still very disturbing when a major media outlet allows unprofessional, biased and frankly immature communications from management to staff. It threatens the very nature of the business, or at least redefines journalism.
For example, see the front page story about a local politician's civil squabble (Kenn Gardner) and then read a News & Observer editor characterize the story to N&O staff: "Is Kenn Gardner just an inept liar or a man so greedy that he doesn’t care whether we think he’s an inept liar as long as he gets paid?" Well, I'm going to look at THAT story and wonder, is there a motivation here? Is this the straight truth? I will look at every story with a degree of skepticism and distrust.
Frankly, I believe the N&O owes its readers an explanation. We've seen politicians exposed when they have violated the public trust; a newspaper like the N&O has a serious public trust as well. Speaking for myself, the N&O's credibility is very shaken now minus public reporting and accountability, much as the paper has called for with numerous politicians.
All of this is available at http://gearino.com/?p=340
sarah palin
Wed, 09/10/2008 - 07:57 — Anonymous (not verified)There must be something supernatural about Sara Palin. She definitely DOES NOT represent the rest of the women in this country. Most women would stay home with their baby for as long as possible, if they had the choice. She obviously is not hurting for money so she must be hungry for power. I don't trust her.
Dreser's internal memo
Mon, 09/08/2008 - 16:23 — Anonymous (not verified)Wow. Getting to read your internal memo about the RNC was illumiating. It's a little surprising even to my jaded eyes to see just how openly biased the N&O is in their coverage AND it starts at the top. Now there is not only no doubt, there is not even any debate.
John Drescher didn't write the memo....
Tue, 09/09/2008 - 21:18 — DebrahThe N&O's opinion of Gov. Palin?
Fri, 09/05/2008 - 12:51 — Anonymous (not verified)Is this what the senior staff at the N&O truly feel?
"What is one to make of John McCain’s greeting at the Twin Cities airport yesterday of America’s most famous baby mama with a warm hug, and the apparent attaboy pat on the shoulder for the self-described “f***ing redneck” baby daddy? Are we now celebrating teenagers’ raging hormones?"
from http://www.gearino.com/
Quite a surprise
Thu, 09/04/2008 - 16:25 — DebrahSarah Palin might just be the most ingenious idea McCain has come up with so far.
No matter what side of the aisle you're on, you have to admit that her performance last evening was extraordinary.
I disagree with her on many issues---abortion being at the top of that list---however, liberal feminists should follow Obama's lead and cease going after her in such a personal way.
After all, doesn't she represent what they have been telling everyone that women should become? Palin must be a super multi-tasker to have had FIVE children as well as a successful career.
As a friend said to me, "Why can't we have an Obama/Palin ticket?"
This should get interesting.