PJ: I'm new to this discussion, but I would briefly like to add my two and a half cents worth. Sure, you are right, the reporter's job is to report. But he or she must be able to report accurately and efficiently. The reporter's job is based upon credibility and reliability. People on the street will talk to a certain news reporter from a TV station, not only because they seem him or her on TV, but also because they know that person to be fair and objective. This is the reason why some reporters can talk to the family of a murder victim and why others must remain on the porch. Sticking the camera in a person's face can work but not always. I good reporter should be able to grab a story and present it accurately and with enough definite information to enlighten the audience. When a repoter fails to do this, then the reporter fails not only his station but also the people to whom he is reporting to, in other words, his audience. The reporter should know his or her own ethics and adhere to them strictly. A Good reporter will find it easier to do the job after providing the groundwork for being reliable and accessible. Once the avenues are open, then the photojouralist or reporter can do thier job and not worry about screwing up. michael k. [log in to unmask] Speaking of journalists, did anyone catch the MISS USA PAGEANT last week. Fifty-one contestants, and eleven of them, that's one fifth, claimed that they wanted to broadcast reporters. When the MISS AMERICAN PAGENT was held last year, a friend and I counted twenty two out of fifty contestants wanted to be journalists. The closest position wanted in both pagents was working with children. Are these girls who feel that a clear voice and a beautiful face really ready for harsh news reporting? Who are they triing to fool. I graduated with Miss Ohio, a runner up to Miss America, last year from Ashland University, my undergrad alma matta. When we ran out to cover a suicide attempt, she got squeemish and could not go. True, watching one's brains fly out the back of their head is not something one loves to watch over and over, but what it's the daughter of the police cheif, then one must go and cover the news... no acceptions. Where is Miss Ohio now? She's a reporter for WJW TV8, a CBS affiliate in Cleveland Ohio, known for it's informative, but harsh news reporting. Will she last? As a anchor with a pretty face... yes/ as a on the street reporter... no. Just my opinion. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ "AIDS is a disease formulated by the white man's government designed to kill his enemies, minorities, and un-desirables such as the black man." ---Spike Lee, from an interview in the FEB 16, 1993, issue of THE VILLAGE VOICE. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++