These days, you can read Robert’s opinions in Inside Business Magazine, but Michael Roberts has a long history as a journalist in Cleveland and around the world. In the hour we spent with him, we talked about the difference between bloggers and journalists, many area politicians, the Nate Gray case, the fiasco at the airport—but probably the most intense part of the conversation was his vivid description of the Kent State Shootings. Each of the following is approximately 10 minutes in length:
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7
8 responses so far ↓
1 Mike Roberts meets the bloggers » wenBLOG // Apr 1, 2007 at 7:18 am
[...] As with most MTBs this one’s worth a listen. The thing I found most interesting about the Roberts’ interview was Mike’s insistence that journalism is a profession that must be studied and learned before it can be practiced. [...]
2 wendell // Apr 1, 2007 at 7:19 am
As with most MTBs this one’s worth a listen. The thing I found most interesting about the Roberts’ interview was Mike’s insistence that journalism is a profession that must be studied and learned before it can be practiced.
While I in no way consider myself to be a journalist, it does beg the question of where bloggers and other “citizen journalists” fit in his grand scheme of things. Wish we had been able to better explore that line of questioning.
3 TimFerris // Apr 1, 2007 at 11:32 am
Wendell, I think the picture of Mike Roberts says it all, and it can help you understand the difference between vocations and avocations. Having been there at the session, you more than likely will concede that this picture is not a flattering image of Mr. Roberts, nor a true depiction of what he really looks like, or who he is. It was taken and posted by a charming young fellow whose avocation is photographic journalism, an autodidact who makes no claims of being a professional photographer, and the product here is “good enough.” That’s all we were aiming for. A professional photographer would be held to a higher standard, snap more possible shots, and probably be able to produce a more accurate picture of Mike Roberts.
4 George Nemeth // Apr 2, 2007 at 7:07 am
It’s kinda difficult facilitating, making sure the audio is working, AND getting a good picture. Maybe one of these days we’ll get a blogger who is a great photographer to show up consistantly. Until then, I hope Mike accepts my apology for not getting a better shot. The other ones I had were of him either moving his hands, with his mouth open, or both. By the way, I take 5 or 6 shots.
5 Gloria Ferris // Apr 2, 2007 at 9:45 am
The photo captures the intensity of the man we interviewed. I told Tim that it is obvious the man is a journalist because he asked questions and then was very willing to let us talk. In my mind, the true essence of the top 10% of journalists that Mr. Roberts described. A journalist listens and picks up on what is behind the words as well as the words. It was hard to interview someone who knows the true art of journalism.
He shares a lot. Please listen.
6 George Nemeth // Apr 2, 2007 at 10:34 am
True, but I think he’s also a storyteller. His retelling of the Kent State Shootings made the hair on my neck stand up. As for the photo, it sure isn’t the photo on his Inside Business column, and it doesn’t capture the wisdom, intelligence, and intensity talking with him does, but I think it does represent him as a senior newspaperman, who started out as delivering the Cleveland Press, covered the Vietnam War, and has spent a long time in places like Johnny’s Bar, digging up stories on matters like Nate Gray.
7 mike gesing // Apr 2, 2007 at 12:17 pm
Now, he’s story teller! The guy worked for Louis Seltzer of the Press who is an absolute legend in this city. Would love to hear a part two. I’ve got vivid memories of Kent myself since I was there as a student the day of the shootings.
8 Brewed Fresh Daily » Meet the Bloggers » Veteran Journalist Michael Roberts // Jul 18, 2007 at 1:38 pm
[...] Meet the Bloggers » Veteran Journalist Michael Roberts. 2d97 Posted in MeetTheBloggers.net | [...]