Publisher Eric Johnston has left the Modesto Bee. His departure marks the end of an era. Though still demonized as a “liberal” newspaper by tea-soaked locals, under Johnston, Mark Vaschè, and Judy Sly, the once moderate Bee veered sharply right. Jeff Denham and Kristin Olsen became political darlings and the Chamber of Commerce became the go-to authority for the final word on local issues. Vaschè was known to dislike confrontation, […]
Modesto's need for news
Negative News? Try Modesto's Deep Denial Default
In fall, 2010, the Columbia Journalism Review’s report about the dearth of news in Modesto was met with ignorance and denial. Most Valley citizens never heard of the report; of those who did, denial has long been their default reaction to negative news about their beloved home. Sometime during the mid- to late-nineties, when Modesto began ranking last or next to last in various quality of life categories, regional leaders […]