It goes to show you how we in the press so often miss the…
“It goes to show you how we in the press so often miss the big stories that are right under our noses. There is a famous journalistic legend about the time a young reporter covered the Johnstown flood of 1889. The kid wrote: God sat on a hillside overlooking Johnstown today and looked at the destruction He had wrought. His editor cabled back: Forget flood. Interview God.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The press often overlooks obvious, nearby events, preferring sensational stories, as illustrated by a reporter’s absurd suggestion to interview God about a flood.
In simple terms: Journalists miss obvious truths while chasing drama.
Key Takeaway
Media focus can blind us to immediate realities.
Themes
journalism
attention bias
storytelling
perception
Mood
ironic
critical
Type
anecdotal
satirical
When to use this quote
- covering local disasters
- political scandals
- celebrity gossip
Key Concepts
confirmation bias
news values
Practical Applications
- Prioritize proximity in reporting
- Cross‑check with on‑ground sources
Questions to Reflect On
- How can journalists balance depth with breadth?
- What mechanisms can reduce blind spots in newsrooms?
A Different Perspective
Sometimes sensational angles do uncover hidden aspects that routine coverage might ignore.