This just in: Thoughtful TV news can sell

The Arizona Republic This just in: Thoughtful TV news can sell When Linda McCartney, wife of the former Beatle, died of breast cancer two years ago in Tucson, news coverage was frenzied. Dozens of journalists converged on the McCartney ranch, helicopters buzzed overhead and photographers climbed fences to get better pictures. It was not a shining media moment. The intrusive coverage brought a flood of complaints. Forrest Carr, news director at KGUN-TV, the ABC affiliate in Tucson, responded by not airing film from the ranch or reporting its location and generally trying to steer clear of sensationalism. People called to say they appreciated the restraint, and Carr got the message. He decided to pay more attention to viewer concerns and reconsider his station's approach to covering the news. One result was the adoption of a Viewers' Bill of r V STEVE WILSON a The Arizona Republic Rights that spells out ethical obligations, a commitment to solution-oriented journalism and people's privacy rights. . Another was the appointment of an ombudsman, who talks with dozens of viewers every day and makes sure their voices are heard in the newsroom. KGUN is one of only two TV stations in the country with such a position. Carr gave me a call after my recent rant about TV news in Phoenix. He agrees that many newscasts earn the contempt of viewers, and said his staff is proving that more sensitive coverage can score higher ratings. KGUN, Tucson's No. 2-rated station, has narrowed the gap during the past two years behind KVOA, the city's longtime leader. Not everyone is thrilled with the changes at KGUN. Ted Kavanau, a former news executive with CNN and TV stations in New York, called its approach a "cop-out" and a "gimmick." He accused Carr of acting "like he invented sensitivity" and criticized KGUN's coverage of the McCartney story as "weak-kneed." The Tucson Weekly was no less harsh. It ripped KGUN for having a "feel-good" agenda and "claiming whatever they cover is asked for, and what they avoid is not a perfect excuse to take a dive when it comes to doing hard stories." Carr bristles at accusations that his station's coverage isn't aggressive and says his staff is covering more hard news than ever. It's possible to take the high road and still ask tough questions and do investigations, he insists. Bob Steele, ethics director at the Poynter Institute, a journalism research and training center, likes what he's seen at KGUN. " "I admire Carr's effort to connect with the community and provide more thoughtful coverage," he said. "The challenge is to be sure that you also respect the independent role of a news organization to do things that! will upset or anger people from time to time." KGUN's newscasts received high marks last year in a national study called the Project for Excellence in Journalism. The station was lauded for the best local newscast in Tucson. Intelligence and restraint and solid reporting can draw viewers as well as body bags and live helicopter shots. It would be great if that news could be uplinked about 110 miles north. j c Reach Wilson at Steve.Wilson I ArizonaRepublic.com or (602) 444-8775. !