Tomorrow morning at 9:00am, the KBOO Bike Show will take on the topic of how our local media handles bike stories.
This month, hosts Ayleen Crotty and Carl Larson have invited several members of the local media to discuss recent coverage of bike-related issues here in Portland.
In-studio guests will be myself, news editor of the Portland Mercury Amy Ruiz, and Oregonian staff writer Joseph Rose (Update: unfortunately Rose didn’t show due to another commitment).
Here’s the blurb from KBOO:
“Is there a war on wheels? Is there any difference between a “crash” and an “accident?” The August KBOO Bike Show will address recent media coverage of bike-related issues in Portland. Guests Amy Ruiz, Portland Mercury News Editor, Jonathan Maus, Editor of BikePortland.org and Joseph Rose from The Oregonian join hosts Ayleen Crotty and Carl Larson to analyze recent incidents, the resulting media coverage, and its influence on public perceptions. Portland’s streets are famously friendly to bicyclists. Can the same be said about Portland’s news sources?”
As regular readers are well-aware, I’ve weighed in on this topic several times over the years and look forward to being a part of this conversation.
Anyone with a constructive point or question is encouraged to call in. The number is (503) 231-8187.
You can listen to the show online via KBOO.fm, locally on 90.7 FM or catch the podcast posted after the show at the KBOO Bike Show website.
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UPDATE: You can download the MP3 of this show here.
Thanks for reading.
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Won\’t be near a radio, but a podcast I can catch… looking forward to hearing what is said…
Rubberside Down!
great job on the radio today, jonathan. too bad the O ducked it.
how much of the O\’s coverage is due to the seeming fact that the O represents the existing power structure(as do cars) whereas blogs and the Mercury are more representative of the younger more counterculture(like bikes)?
Nice job, Jonathan. Am I mistaken in thinking it sounded like you\’re a little tired of being a spokesperson? Well, I hope you keep it up for as long as you\’re able. Also, I\’d have liked to have heard a conversation between you and the Oregonian writer. Too bad he bailed.
The discussion on semantics was interesting. One thing that jumped out at me was when the second caller said, \”I\’m a big vehicle.\” This was in regards to bikes riding in way that made her nervous when she was in her car. That phrase, \”I\’m a big vehicle,\” underlines how drivers feel like a car is a big, powerful extension of themselves. A more thorough understanding of that kind of car psychology might go a long way toward explaining conflicts on the road, and the resultant coverage.
I wish KBOO would get more bike radio out there – once a month is not enough!
\”Nice job, Jonathan. Am I mistaken in thinking it sounded like you\’re a little tired of being a spokesperson?
Thanks Graham.
no, you\’re not mistaken. i am tired of it, but… i will not step away from it.
I feel like i have a unique opportunity to offer leadership on a topic that is very near and dear to my heart.
and while assuming a bit of leadership here and there does add stress and makes my job more complicated, it\’s a sacrifice I will make.
even though i will be tired and frustrated and i will complain about it, i feel like me being a spokesperson is an important role and I plan on doing it as long as people continue to be interested in what I have to say.
i know that sounds cheesy but it is true.
thanks Graham for all the constructive and intelligent comments you\’ve made… any interest in writing some guest articles?
so Joseph Rose was a no-show? not surprising…
Jonathon,
I cant imagine how tired you must be, but you and your site has probably had the biggest impact on me getting out of my car and now on my bike 5 days a week. All of Portland owes you a big thanks.
any interest in writing some guest articles?
Holy cow, really? That would be great!
(I was half tempted to say, \”don\’t I already?\” in reference to the massive missives I leave all over these comment sections.)
I guess the trick is to figure out how to write something that\’s not a response to something else. Easy, right? 🙂
you are super great jonathan!!!!
So sad I\’m on vacation.
I hope they do this again when I\’m not working I would love to call in.