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SOUND OFF: Small type, big issues and disturbing descriptions

The Bakersfield Californian | Monday, Oct 31 2011 11:00 AM

Last Updated Monday, Oct 31 2011 11:00 AM

Reader: Why is the attached (page F2 10/23) printed in such very small print that one needs a magnifying glass in order to read the article?

Regards,

Alice Manalo

Bakersfield

Arthur: This reader has a point. The article she is referring to was in a real estate section last Sunday produced by our Advertising Department. The article was about home sales and an accompanying chart listed recent local sales in very small type.

We'll remind editors to not try to squeeze too much information into a small space. If the results are too small to read, nothing has been accomplished. Thanks.

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Reader: I have a complaint about some of the ... content on the Bakersfield.com website. I understand that many readers (and myself included) may be interested in the "most read" stories, but sometimes the descriptors are far too graphic to be there without warning. I am referring in particular to the (recent) description of an 11-month-old baby being sexually abused. (The news came to light) as part of a national investigation. Similar stories include animal abuse, elder abuse, horrific freak accidents, etc.

I am the mother of two small children, and just reading (this) is enough to give me nightmares and not let my children leave the house until they are 35.

I ask that more discretion be used in the descriptors, or perhaps a "graphic content warning" pop-up. I have quit reading the Los Angeles Times web edition for the same type of blood-lusty sidelines appearing everywhere. It is not classy. It is not journalistic. It is not necessary.

Writing eye-grabbing and informative headlines is an art and a balancing act, and is more difficult than most people are probably aware. I am confident that the staff of The Californian can achieve this balance .

Sincerely,

Violet Kemnitz

Arthur: Thanks for your thoughts. We do sometimes have to walk a fine line between reporting on a horrible crime, for instance, and providing too much detail. Believe it or not we think about this constantly and often remove harrowing details from some stories. We'll try to remain vigilant.

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Arthur: On Tuesday we published a letter to the editor from Mary Helen Barro criticizing radio talk show host Ralph Bailey.

She wrote, in part:

"Bailey uncharacteristically ignored the death of two young men and the hazardous conditions at Community Recycling in order to launch into a vitriolic, partisan tirade against The Californian for its editorial calling for the closure of Community Recycling. Thursday's Californian also carried a news story that state Sen. Michael Rubio has called for the plant's closure."

Here's an excerpt from a note that Editorial Page Editor Robert Price sent Bailey, explaining the circumstances of the editorial:

Hi Ralph.

A reader tells me you went on a "tirade" (her word) against our editorial... calling for the closure of Community Recycling. She quoted you as saying this was part of The Californian's plan to promote Michael Rubio's candidacy for Congress. After all, the same edition of the paper had a story in which Rubio calls for the closure of Community Recycling.

Coincidence? Yes. When we wrote that editorial, we had no idea Rubio had endorsed the same action. As I'm sure you know, the opinion and news functions of the paper are separate, and for good reason. Usually we check to see what they're up to over there but sometimes we don't, and this time we didn't.

As for promoting Rubio's candidacy, maybe you missed an editorial earlier that same week criticizing Rubio or an op-ed piece by Dean Florez, one of Rubio's possible 2012 opponents, which was published the day before the Community Recycling editorial. The topic is unrelated, but Florez comes off looking like a pretty smart guy.

If we choose to support Rubio, we'll say so in an endorsement editorial. We've endorsed him before. But we won't tiptoe around, as you seem to suggest we did in this case.

If I have mischaracterized your position or tone, I apologize.

Robert Price

Editorial Page Editor This feedback forum is designed to give readers a way to voice criticisms and compliments or ask questions about news coverage. Your questions -- which may be edited for space -- are answered each Sunday by Executive Editor John Arthur. Sound Off