By Miles Layton
Wow…
Will you look at that…
Accompanying the News and Observer’s story about a recent arrest involving Tommie Basnight is a photo of the Confederate Memorial – WTF!
To the N&O – that statue was removed a long time ago — coming up on a year since it was taken down at midnight on Labor Day weekend.
The N&O knew what it was doing when posting this photo, how the story would be received — we know where you stand when it comes to coverage of the people of rural North Carolina.
Let it be known — not that this is a huge shock to most people living east of I-95 — but the N&O has sucked for many years.
Since Chowan County and Northeast NC are in the media again, I feel compelled to set the record straight.
Aside from the arrest, the most important thing to note in this story is how the matter is being handled: Sheriff Edward “Scooter” Basnight has recused himself from any involvement in the investigation, and to ensure transparency, the District Attorney’s Office has been contacted. That’s huge!
Another thing — Sheriff’s Office deserves credit for posting news of Tommie Basnight’s arrest — that shows transparency — that social media post is where the story came from.
I’ve worked in a lot of small towns in rural areas — not a lot of these law enforcement agencies would’ve been as forthcoming, thinking that hiding the arrest, if one was made, would bury the issue, when in reality, hiding any matter in a small town always makes it worse.
Transparency is critical to law enforcement, certainly local government.
Last note: while the Albemarle Observer posted a its story about yesterday’s arrest – same as other media outlets – I loathed doing that because I know Sheriff Basnight is a good man who has served Chowan County with distinction for nearly 25 years; multiple arrests, keeping Chowan County safe, serving on the dive team, being a role model as a Scoutmaster, a man of faith and integrity.
N&O – kiss my ass!
7 responses to “Sheriff Basnight Did the Right Thing; The N&O Couldn’t Be Bothered To”
C’mon, Miles…”WTF?”, “sucks”, “kiss my ass”?? Don’t tell me you’ve run out of more eloquent words. Sounds like a Gen Z party. Having said that: good viewpoint.
Santa, you’re right! I know, I know. You’re right! Too many years working as a journalist, often around courts and cops, have left me with a foul mouth.
— Miles
I’ve said the same thing multiple times. The Albemarle Observer is hands down the absolute best source for local news, yet some times (more often recently) Mr. Layton deviates from “Professional journalist” to “Just passing along info amongst buddies in the locker room” type talk and sadly – it cheapens a fine publication. I suspect Mr. Layton is very busy and isn’t investing the time to polish his articles as I would hope he would
Mr. Lico, I’m pleased to see others call this out as well. I would hope the AO would be kid friendly publication – I know I kept up on local events in my hometown when I was a kid, and if we want an intelligent generation to follow us, the AO should be a great place to start.
I 100% AGREE WITH YOU RON TOPPIN SR.
For 20 years, the N&O was considered “my least favorite daily newspaper circulated in Northeastern North Carolina.” Once in the Public Parade of The Chowan Herald, I suggested that we split along I-95 and form the 51st state. In fact, I recommended Golden Frinks as Attorney General.
Bud,
ABSOLUTELY AGREE!
— Miles
The N&O is best used the same as I use the Herald and Daily advance….. fish head wrap and line the bottom of my trash can.