Last Wednesday, I was fortunate enough to view the 5:00 news from a totally new perspective. Our JMC 201 class made a field trip to the NBC13 news building for a private tour. Being able to see all the behind-the-scenes aspects of a news station was both interesting and an adrenaline rush. I've never had a real interest to pursue a career in broadcast, but last week changed that. I loved the energy and high emotion that rushed through every room in the building. Most importantly, I loved the apparent tight-knit relationships among the employees and the fun and assumed to be "laid back" atmosphere.
While standing in the control room, amazed by all the different control boards and TV screens, I watched breaking news from Auburn. AL. My classmates and I watched in complete shock as were informed that someone had poisoned the beloved 130 year old oak tree on Toomer's Corner. Being a life-long Auburn fan, I was especially hurt by this story.
Toomer's Corner is not just a town landmark, it's tradition. It's a legacy. For someone to pull such a cruel prank that affects the entire university and its supporters is absolutely outrageous. While half of the state feels that this act of insincerity is "harmless," I beg to differ. The infamous Alabama-Auburn rivalry has now gone too far.
I've heard and read numerous complaints about the continous coverage of the crime. In my opinion, the media is not reporting the story to its fullest potential. People think this story is pointless, because it's about a tree. But honestly, the media is not depicting the true emotions of the citizens and students of Auburn. That oak tree was much more than just any old tree. It was symbolic of the unity of the Auburn "family."
All that said to say, I don't think NBC13 really did a superb job of showing exactly WHY this crime is so tragic. I believe some heart-felt, one-on-one interviews with the people of Auburn community would give this ongoing story the justice it deserves.
Excellent.
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