The Pope’s trip to Australia has been covered by hundreds of “special correspondents.”
But when you read, watch or listen to what they say, it’s not much.
Almost nothing, really.
About the Pope.
About the young people.
Just a few quotes from his speeches — you don’t need a “special correspondent” for that.
A few pictures provided by international agencies — you don’t need a “special correspondent” for that.
A few images from local televisions — you don’t need a “special correspondent” for that.
So… why do newspapers, radios and televisions spend so much money to deliver so little information?
If I were the editor of any of these media, I would ask myself, is this worth the money?
No.
Why?
Because they have been covering the Pope with the most routine and conventional wisdom.
What about the real stories?
What about the young people?
What about the reasons for the very long trips some are making to see the Pope?
What about their own reactions, comments and opinions about the Pope’s messages?
I’m sure that there have been a lot of blogs offering a more real picture of the trip than the one provided by our expensive and boring “special correspondents.”
Why not spend half of the money helping some of these young people blog for your paper?
You will get more interesting and vivid coverage.
(Picture by AP)