Always interesting to compare Tampa Bay dailies’ coverage of locally-pertinent news. On occasion, there’s a dramatic difference. This is one of those occasions.
Last week the Tampa Tribune reported on its front page that U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, the third-term, Tampa Democrat, had arrived in Cuba to begin a four-day, fact-finding trip. The story included her itinerary and pertinent quotes. When an actual member of the Florida congressional delegation–only the second (Congressman Jim Davis in 2003) since the 1959 revolution–actually visits Cuba, it’s big news around here. Hence the page-one placement.
The Tampa Bay Times, meanwhile, didn’t have the story. Not a trace. The following day, however, it did run a one-paragraph item on page 3 of its Local section.
Now, getting beat is one thing. And getting beat by the Trib rubs it in. But journalistic stuff happens. But when it does, the beatee will often save some media face–and salve some wounded professional pride–by compensating with additional, however-deferred, details. Making some extra phone calls. Getting a variety of reactions while the subject is STILL in Cuba. Something.
But virtually nada until after the fact? Ironically, that’s news.