Barry told me there was some talk about me on the board. Glad to hear the report got so much coverage. I have to admit that I found it ridiculous that I was participating in a media spectacle like a 3-hour wild goose chase through Las Vegas rush hour traffic. Nonetheless, despite the absurdity that came out of it, I do believe that the Michael Jackson story is incredibly newsworthy. Sure, he’s a train wreck that everyone can’t resist watching, but there are legitimate social issues involved. MJ is either a millionaire pedophile who bought his way out of justice ten years ago, or the victim of a witch hunt. Either way, I think the public has a real interest in the proceedings, and whether he’s allowed to retain custody of his children.

So yeah, it’s a funny way to earn chip money, but it’s no less noble than what most people do to make a buck.

As for Mark’s comments on ABC News, I’ve got to take issue with those. When I took some time off from practicing law to cover music for ABC News Radio, I had no intentions of pursuing a career in journalism. I just thought it would be fun for a few years. Eight years later I’m still with the company, and it’s primarily due to the respect I had for the men and women at ABC Radio. In a time when some news organizations use phrases like “fair and balanced” as trademarks rather than goals, the people I’ve worked with at ABC (I can only speak for the radio division, having no experience with TV) have always excelled at pursuing accuracy and fairness, and leaving their personal biases at the door. I don’t pretend that I’m on their level – and I don’t know if I ever will be. But I consider it an honor just to work around so many brilliant reporters who have spent their lives trying to uphold the finest traditions of Journalism with a capital “J.” Everyone’s entitled to their opinion – I just tend to notice that a lot of people who claim they want “balanced” reporting really mean that they want reporting that supports their personal point of view. If that’s what you’re looking for, ABC isn’t going to make you happy – regardless of your politics. That’s exactly why I wouldn’t trade my job for anything in the world.

Anyway – thanks to all who offered feedback. It’s nice to know that my reports got heard. Of course I would have preferred it if my reports on things like Question 9 got the same level of attention. But what the heck – you take it where you can get it.