Watching decline of journalism is hard

If I were still following journalism closely,  I’d suggest reading this about changes  in the Cleveland area.  I would tell you just how many more journalists were laid off, how many more newsrooms have shrunk from the staffs of hundreds to staffs of 20.

Or I might mention coronavirus news fatigue and why so many are avoiding the news when we need to know what is happening in the world and in our backyards. I worry about those who hear only rumors or a brief mention on radio, TV or online.  I worry what is happening while all attention is focused on the coronavirus. That, of course, gets back to how many journalists we now have looking out for us.

I might even suggest you look at this article on why  networks stopped live coverage of Trump’s briefings. Then I might show you some fact-checking sites

I struggle with what I do now.  I wish I was back in the newsroom covering this crisis, sharing information to help all. I read the White House site frequently, check the tweets of President Trump. I look at the WHO site too. Or a site with the guidelines for reopening America.I do share some of what I learn on Facebook in my own posts and in posts in groups. I even started a group to try matching those who make masks and those who need them.

Yet, I am grateful I am not working in these dying newsrooms. I like the freedom of choosing what I write and for whom.

Actually, I could not work right now. I am waiting for the results of my COVID-19 test. If I don’t have it, I am very confused about what I am dealing with right now.

I also wait for it to be safe for surgeries once more. Lousy timing uncovered a possible solution for what ails me.  I hope.