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Editor’s Note: This column, “LBWA” (Leadership By Wandering Around), is based on the premise that, in order to find out what’s going on in the field, a parks and rec leader has to leave his or her desk and “wander around” the area of operations, talk to people, ask questions, and kick around ideas with the individuals in the thick of delivering services to the public. So the author will bring up issues and ask the leaders among the readership to share their knowledge and experiences.
Ron Ciancutti made an excellent point about the media in PRB November’s “A Step Ahead” column titled “Feeding Frenzy--Media Answers Demand For Negativity.”
Ron laments the overall negative approach taken by the media and public during the oil spill in the Gulf and how that coverage tended to fan the flames of blame in both the government and the public. He yearns for a more compassionate and respectful response.
However, for parks and recreation professionals, the media can be a valuable asset to our operation. But first we need to understand what the media need so we can help them help us.
