WCBU received a lot of attention in July for having the first word from Peoria Congressman Ray LaHood on his decision to not seek another term in office.  Numerous newspaper, TV, and radio reports from Chicago to St. Louis all referenced the exclusive interview LaHood gave to WCBU.  While our goal is always to provide the highest quality accurate reporting, it is a good sign when we get a scoop.  Hopefully it’s a testament to the commitment we have to quality journalism and serving the community.

 

I had the pleasure to attend another conference of the Public Radio News Directors Incorporated in July.  We met in New Orleans, and there was a great spirit of camaraderie as News Directors from across the country traded notes on how we do things, participated in training sessions, and help set some long-term goals for local public newsrooms across the nation. The conference also afforded me the opportunity to directly interact with the leaders of NPR, and pass on some of the comments, compliments, and criticism that people have given to me over the past year.  WCBU has benefited greatly from PRNDI over the past ten years, and it’s wonderful to have that resource available to us.

 

One of the downsides of being a journalist is that tragedy often requires the most of us.  WCBU News stepped up in a major way in recent events in Peoria that generated a lot of sadness.  Former Bradley University student Jerry Hadley and Peoria native General Wayne Downing died within a few days of each other.  Reporter Tanya Koonce did a great job reporting on both of these men’s passing with dignity and grace, informing the community while being respectful of the situation.  Denise Molina did likewise with her reporting on the death of Bradley University student Sheridan “Danny” Dahlquist. One of her stories was picked up for an NPR Newscast.  While I’m proud of the reporting we have done in the face of unpleasant events, I am hopeful the autumnal season will bring us opportunity to shine on stories that feature more upbeat and pleasant news.