Where were the media?

Newspapers are in decline, and I am beginning to understand why – it’s the lack of coverage of meaningful topics for public interest. Outside of the varied wars that splash into the press when convenient to reporters, the public’s most discussed issue is health care.

I attended a well-organized and informative panel discussion at Spokane Community College on Wednesday, May 27, with a crowd of about 300, paltry for the topics. Panelists included state Rep. John Driscoll, 6th District; Craig Salins, Washington Public Campaigns; Dr. Matthew F. Hollon, Physicians for a National Health Program; Peg Hopkins, Community Health Association of Spokane; Dr. Jae Kennedy, School of Health Policy and Administration, WSU Spokane; Larry Hall, president of United Food and Commercial Workers 1439; and stand-ins for U.S. senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell and U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers.

The program was moderated by Debra Wilde, a noted TV anchor. The most noticeable absence was the media – any wonder why newspaper distribution is falling?

Edward Thomas Jr.

Spokane