Linh Tat Tat is the 2001-02 news editor. E-mail
her at [email protected].
Newspapers are known for their coverage of important news, but
even the smaller stories deserve attention.
Since Sept. 11, we’ve been assaulted with grim images and
stories of the terrorist attacks on America.
Days after the attacks, people were told to turn off the
television and resume their normal lives.
But when your job is to report the news, you can’t walk
away ““ even when there is other news to report. Instead, you
work harder to ensure all the stories get covered.
In interviewing a family member of one victim, the relative got
too choked up to finish the conversation. The reporter who had to
deal with this broke down soon after.
Reporting on this event has been a heavy responsibility, but who
else will tell the stories of those who died, those who continue to
mourn or those who now live with fear or anger?
We may not want to be reminded, but it’s necessary.
You don’t just need to know; you deserve to know ““
and you deserve to know the whole truth.
Because the Daily Bruin is one of the leading sources of
information at this university, it makes it all the more important
that our work is timely, accurate and, above all, honest.
The past two weeks have reminded us of the media’s crucial
role in handling delicate matters.
Even when the media attempts to place Middle Easterners in a
positive light, showing them mourning with the rest of the country,
they end up singling out one person in a multiethnic crowd.
Regardless of the media’s intent, a group is still singled
out ““ this can be as damaging as hasty reports of terrorism
by members of that community.
Journalists must be vigilant in reporting the truth. Otherwise,
mishandling news coverage hurts people.
As we address these issues, we cannot forget the further
responsibility of ensuring the smaller stories are also told.
In the days following the attacks, students celebrated their
21st birthdays; Taco Bell on campus reopened with a new
computerized system for handling orders; and Westwood residents saw
the village’s first supermarket in more than 25 years
open.
These events are not as notable as a national tragedy, but they
are the experiences of the UCLA community. We need to chronicle
them.
If it matters to you, then it’s worth reporting, and The
Bruin is here to give you that news.