Generally speaking, Fred Friendly’s labeling of television as a "vast wasteland" is a moniker I heartedly endorse, especially when it comes to local television news.
Under most circumstances, I don’t think there is anything important you can learn from local television news, and I think that the heavy reliance of blood and gore only serves to numb us to the dangers of the street.
But on occasion, a local television station does something that has such an impact and is so vivid that I have to tip my hat.
This tip goes to Toya Washington and WISN-TV for a piece that aired Monday night amid all the hoo-rah about the next day’s election. You can see her piece here.
In one story, Washington eloquently shines a spotlight on two issues of significant importance: children who need a family and relations between blacks and whites. Cynics may scoff that this is a "puff piece," but they miss the point.
Once you get behind the fluffy clouds, you see a story that really says something that we can all learn from. Washington deserves a lot of credit and praise for this one.
With a history in Milwaukee stretching back decades, Dave tries to bring a unique perspective to his writing, whether it's sports, politics, theater or any other issue.
He's seen Milwaukee grow, suffer pangs of growth, strive for success and has been involved in many efforts to both shape and re-shape the city. He's a happy man, now that he's quit playing golf, and enjoys music, his children and grandchildren and the myriad of sports in this state. He loves great food and hates bullies and people who think they are smarter than everyone else.
This whole Internet thing continues to baffle him, but he's willing to play the game as long as OnMilwaukee.com keeps lending him a helping hand. He is constantly amazed that just a few dedicated people can provide so much news and information to a hungry public.
Despite some opinions to the contrary, Dave likes most stuff. But he is a skeptic who constantly wonders about the world around him. So many questions, so few answers.
