Lazy or Afraid?

A crusty old TV assignment editor asked the Maven a rather curious question the other day. 

"Given the scandal at the City Clerk's office, why hasn't anyone (media) followed up with other governmental offices to find out what policies and procedures are in place to prevent this kind of scandal in their office?" It's a good question and a great story idea because it may put some cranky citizens at ease, and afford other government offices the opportunity to be viewed in a positive light. 

To the Maven's knowledge, there have been no stories addressing the subject. 

Why?

The joke about Fort Wayne media is that it's not news, unless there's a press release ... or a smoking-gun video tape.

For reasons which are mostly explainable, media outlets seem to do their jobs only when prompted to.....pushed into action by a press release or, "that damned video tape".

Is media is lazy, or just being overly cautious? The Maven feels it's a combination factors, the least of which is the desire for many entry-level reporters to "pay their dues" and move on to larger markets. They go through the motions, knowing they won't be here in a year, and owe this audience nothing. Grand Rapids and Indy await. 
People who own/manage media have other reasons to be cautious about what their reporters put on the air. For the most part it has little to do with legal concerns, but most likely those media executives are petrified about making powerful politicians and important advertisers angry and vindictive. That can directly impact sales, revenue, job security, and the quality of the plastic surgeon performing their wife's new boob job. 

If you're looking for objective, responsive media, you won't find it here.