Implicit in this opinion piece is that if local and regional investigative journalism endeavors are to be successful, they need objective distribution media to get stories before the public. Originally that was one of the objectives of ETV before it became corporate captive PBS producing expensive network quality programs. The problem is that distribution media–even local ones–are prohibitively expensive to operate. Perhaps the answer lies on the internet–blogs dedicated to local and regional news–which would also hire and teach local amateur journalists who could cover stories with inexpensive digital video equipment.

This is really an opinionl piece. Yes, it does point to a problem in media investigative processes. But I'm not sure it's correct that important national issues may already be well covered. And yes, a lot of regional and local stories aren't either - but that's not particularly new. The author seems to be looking back at good old days that may not have been so good. And he does pretty much say that whatever is the new investigative medium hasn't quite become evident yet. We're really in an experimental interim phase. '

While this opinion piece could have offered more evidence to support the view that there is a near vacuum in high quality local and regional investigative reporting, Wasserman's observations seem valid to this reader of print media in South Florida. He seems point on from a philanthropic perspective too. When there is a serious public need that is not being fulfilled by (or seemingly cannot be fulfilled by) the for profit sector, the non profit sector is a likely candidate to fill the void. Excellent opinion piece on new media. I would be interested in seeing Pro Publica's reaction.

An insightful opinion piece that's worth the read.