Accurate agriculture reporting is appreciated

July 15, 2007

The purpose of this note is to recognize the fine reporting done by Ty Beaver, your agricultural reporter. For many years, I have been involved with the public sharing of new research information in agriculture and natural resources. Many of my efforts have been through public field days and seminars, which are often covered by reporters from local and regional print media. While this coverage is most welcome, my experience has been that resulting articles often contain misquotes, misrepresentation of the information presented and/or serious factual errors.

While sloppy reporting is unfortunately common, there are very notable exceptions. A great example is Ty Beaver’s report in the July 5 Herald and News covering a recent field day at the Intermountain Research and Extension Center in Tulelake. Ty’s report was informative, accurate and captured some of the more interesting and useful points made during the half-day tour. I realize the article was of minor importance on a world scale; but, I would still like to hold it up as an example of local reporting done right.

Harry Carlson, director

Intermountain Research and Extension Center , Tulelake 

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Source:  http://www.heraldandnews.com/articles/2007/07/15/viewpoints/letters/letters.txt