Clark Kent was on to something

Superman's alter ego is a "mild-mannered" reporter named Clark Kent. Clark Kent happens to be a nice guy who is a positive role model for a younger colleague (Jimmy Olsen) and wins the respect -- and love -- of his co-worker (Lois Lane). Coincidence? I think not. \nOh yeah, there's also that business about continually foiling Lex Luthor's plans for world domination, but that's not relevant to the topic of today's column. We assume that Clark Kent, in addition to being well-liked, writes good stories, but that is neither here nor there.\nYes, it's true: For the most part, reporters, like lawyers, aren't and don't have to be jerks. Contrary to popular belief, the words "sleazebag" and "snob" are not part of a reporter's job description. I'm speaking strictly from experience here.\nMy realization that reporters don't have to be jerks was reinforced while watching the original "Superman" movie a few weeks ago and, more appropriately, while working for my hometown newspaper for a few days during Thanksgiving break.\nFrom what I know of the character, Kent is probably never going to win any Pulitzer Prizes, but we reporters who don't have to worry about saving the world all the time can do great good -- through both our writing and the trusting relationships between writer and reader, and reporter and subject, that lie at the heart of every successful newspaper.\nBut what I've learned from working for my local newspaper is that being a good journalist requires more than just solid reporting and writing skills. In order to be successful, a journalist must treat others with respect. But newsrooms breed cynicism, and respect -- whether for colleagues, superiors, sources or readers -- is something often difficult to come by.\nIt's easy to get caught up in the confrontational style of journalism, wherein people are nothing more than sources to be used and then discarded when their usefulness ceases. This mindset can be useful within the world of investigative journalism, since such journalists must not be afraid to step on some toes and make personal sacrifices in their pursuit of the truth.\nBut for the everyday, run-of-the-mill beat reporter, being "mild-mannered" like Clark Kent is nothing to be ashamed of. Being respectful of and identifying with the people one is reporting on, interviewing or covering is much more useful than representing oneself as the arbiter of power in the ongoing struggle for "the people's right to know" or some other arrogant and ego-inflating delusion. I've learned this lesson well during the years, and I think it's one that reporters for newspapers such as the IDS should take to heart. \nFor example, while I was working as a reporter during Thanksgiving break, a situation arose where it became apparent that the local public library board had conducted an executive session (closed to the media and public) meeting in violation of the Indiana Open Door Law. While situations like this usually make my blood boil, a library board member freely disclosed what had taken place during the executive session after another reporter politely pointed out the Open Door Law violation to them over the phone.\nYeah, we really could have gone after the board members for meeting illegally. We could have cited Indiana statutes left, right, up and down until they disclosed the information we wanted. We even could have sued them if they had refused to cooperate with our demands. But none of that was necessary because of one short, polite phone call.\nAs purveyors of news and public opinion, journalists have great power. But as Superman (or was it Spiderman?) once said, "With great power comes great responsibility." Reporters, whether they work for the IDS, the New York Times or the Mayberry Gazette, should use their power responsibly by being respectful of sources, subjects and readers. Doing so will lead to more effective reporting, better stories and a greater sense of satisfaction for both writer and reader.