The Public Opinion Soapbox

QueenofHearts · Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Posts: 366

In the hard copy of the paper on page 3A, at the top, there is a box that says "See news happening?" Then it goes on to tell you who to call.

I have personally made 4 such calls in the last year. I tried to give the P.O. the scoop on one great article last March. They didn't bite. Another paper picked it up (PO didn't do anything with it so I called another local paper) and ran with it. A week's worth of articles came out of that one call. It cause such a stir in Shippensburg!

Just recently I called again during a major accident on the Cumberland Hwy. The road was shut down for several hours during rush hour and PenDot had to be called in. Not a darn thing showed up in the paper the next day or in any following days. (A wee newspaper that's only printed twice a week did report on it and it even had pictures.)

When the accident on I-81 this week shut down northbound for over 10 hours, a little blip was mentioned in the PO. Not one single picture was published. That was a major mess.

While I look forward to reading "Life's Like That" on Sundays, a little more attention the needs to be taken with the local news in this area. Shippensburg area rarely gets mentioned for anything news worthy. Perhaps you could open a satellite office out there. They too, read the newspaper.

Any bets on how long this will be allowed to stay up? Rolling Eyes

postaff · Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Posts: 118 Location: Chambersburg

Queen of Hearts, if you have a problem getting through to someone, please feel free to call me (Becky Bennett), 262-4813, or e-mail bbennett@publicopinionnews.com

Most of our staff work at night because we produce a morning edition, so sparse staffing at the times you called may be been a factor. But I am available nearly 24/7 (unfortunately for my personal life) and I can mobilize coverage when necessary.

Thanks, as always, for your comments!

QueenofHearts · Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Posts: 366

The city editor takes the calls, she just doesn't follow up on them. That's the sad part. I know when to call. Wink

postaff · Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Posts: 118 Location: Chambersburg

She's balancing a lot of priorities. Following up on one call always means canceling or delaying another assignment that someone else requested or thought was important. But we appreciate your calls and will try to be more responsive.