thoughts on the news of the day: local

hmmm…..

            Interestingly, there was no mention in the national news of the earthquake that hit central Oklahoma this past weekend.  It was a 5.6 magnitude, which is non-trivial in the world of earthquakes, but still there was no story about it.

            As far as I know, there was no major damage to large metropolitan areas, and no one severely injured or killed.  And admittedly, there have been many large and destructive earthquakes in the past years that have gained far more attention, nationally and globally. But to the people who experienced it, it was remarkable and very scary.

            I am always fascinated about what makes the news and what doesn’t.  We seem to always be kept well informed on where Lindsay Lohan is and what her latest antics are.  Sports scores are always on the forefront of national news as are the data regarding the stock market.

            But I believe that people are just as interested in local news.  Good reporting of high school football and weddings and other social events are important to those living in communities.  They may not be world events but to a family in need, the human interest story about their health challenges with a loved one is important news that needs to be conveyed.

            Perhaps that is what facebook has become – a local newspaper for circles of friends, for communities who are curious about special interest events.  Gosh, you can even provide photos with your story about the birth of your first child.

            I think local newspapers have missed the mark, but maybe facebook hasn’t.

            hmmm…..