Since I was a bit rough on the Indy Star's Curt Cavin recently, I wanted to post this link to Cavin's blog entry on why the Star has been following Robin Miller around lately. In a nutshell, Curt says his employers won't let him print things without 100% on-the-record sources.
The policy means nothing controversial or highly sensitive will be busted on the Indy Star pages first since you'll rarely have anyone who wants to go on record to blow the lid on it. Plus it ensures you'll be violently scooped on most breaking stories, as the Star was recently on 1) the IRL's engine and chassis offer, 2) Cotman to the IRL and 3) merger update.
It's a very conservative policy and one I disagree with, but then again I don't have the responsibility of running the Indy Star. It's absolutely the Star's right to set its policies. It's also absolutely the reader's right to get their news from other sources. Here's hoping the Star doesn't complain much about declining readership as people head to the Web or other sources that are a bit more aggressive.
Still, fair is fair, so check out Curt's Q&A here. (Feb. 9: On Star's standards and the possible car count)
Nicely done. FTR, I don't look to the Star for any breaking news, but Mr. Cavin's articles and analysis are always top-notch. Of course, his Q&A is great and his insight posted there makes up, in part, for the lack of the latest breaking OWR news. Mr. Miller and SPEED are often quick-on-the-draw regarding releases, but Miller's articles are often colored strongly by his own emotions and biases.
Posted by: Doug | February 10, 2008 at 01:55 PM