Why?
Tuesday's on the front page of The Citizen was the story about a massage therapist who had been acquitted of an indecent act, his photo illuminating the front page. I wondered why The Citizen would publish such a story, let alone present a photo of the man on the front page?
I don't know the people involved in the allegations nor had I heard of the incident before. I read through mostly to understand why the story would make the front page?
Is this the best crap The Citizen can come up with? Bringing unwanted publicity to an innocent man (yes, the case was thrown out of court so the man remains innocent).
When my family moved here in 2010 I felt it was important to support the local newspaper but often the news simply frustrates me. I was pleased recently with new columns by Andrew Adams (agriculture) and Eric Allen (general info). I also enjoy reading Gerry Chidiac's column and although I sometimes disagree with Neil Godbout's opinion I realize it is Neil's job to incite discussion and therefore appreciate the job he does. I don't buy the tabloids and I don't see how The Citizen story is anything but - so why the front page with a large photo?
Is this bullying? Did The Citizen take off its pink shirt it trended only last week? The man will certainly need to leave town because no one will book an appointment with him. If he has a family, how do they feel? What do his children do when someone at school makes a hurting comment?
The Citizen is obviously scrambling to find an audience and if tabloid readers are who they are aiming their stories at then please cancel my subscription - you can keep the change!
Along with being critical, I feel it is important to give positive feedback and suggestions for improvement. Last year I appreciated reading about Houle Electric and their history in B.C. and Prince George. I see their trucks around town and therefore have some interest. I suggest The Citizen look to highlighting at least one local industry or customer each week. Prince George is a small city and many people will know someone associated with the company and many others may have had business interactions. This would create an interest in the paper and possibly over the long term, increase sales. A review on the people and economy surrounding CN Centre and the Cougars and/or the Spruce Kings would increase citizen's awareness of what both the social and economic value of these facilities and clubs have on the city.
I could go on and on...
The best article I have read in recent years was the one written by Frank Peebles about the hunters who were attacked by a bear - such vivid description and relative to Prince George. Plan to do many stories on local activities, skiing, hunting, ATV etc. That's your audience. The arts are covered well and are positive to the city.
Gerry Lundquist
Prince George
