Charlie Gibson's Blog

I'm of the old school like you, and a former ABC local TV news manager (WPVI-TV), but I think we all have little choice but to get on the blogging train.

I appreciate hearing your personal thoughts on the news, beyond what I watch and hear you say on World News. Keep it up!

If my grandkids can figure out this darn Internet thing, we should be able to!

Regards,
Bob

Mr. Gibson:
Thank you for giving us an unbiased opinion of the convention proceedings. I for one am soooo tired of all these proceedings, I haven't even watched the convention. BUT, I will keep reading your BLOG because you keep it simple.
Thank you.

Rest assured, sir, that the 47 who actually responded to your first post represent only the smallest portion of those of us who actually read it. I normally don't respond - ironically, I think it's a waste of time and effort! :-) However, I so appreciate your immense talents and contributions to even-handed reporting over the years that I wanted to take the opportunity to say so - directly. And, I agree with your assessments. I'm a follower of Jesus Christ (the words "evangelical Christian" have basically lost their meaning in this watered-down world in which we live) and as such, I vote values. Most of the time - as it will be this year - that translates "Republican", at least on the State and Federal level, where laws are made and judges appointed. That also means I'm not a Kennedy supporter. But, who could watch Sen. Kennedy last night and not appreciate the history he represents, and the superhuman effort it took for him to appear. It is my prayer that he felt the love and appreciation aimed at him. Again, my personal thanks for your integrity and skills in reporting the news - conventions, included. God bless you!

I'm new to this blogging thing too. I haven't read yesterday's blog but I will now. You see, I'm trying to get as much information as I can and so have just started looking around the web as well as listening to NPR and of course TV channel surfing between the big networks and PBS. I like the idea of the blog because it means that someone (like you Mr. Gibson) who's close to the scene and not just a regular person's rant, (though they have their place in the dialogue too), but that someone like you who's seen and talked to the people we count on to do the right thing for the welfare of our citizens, is able to take the time to give a thoughtful perspective on what's going on. Granted, it definitely puts a dent into your time, and I see your wondering if it's worth it, but I bet that in the future this kind of contact with the public will be common place, and that millions of people will read it because we are so hungry to know what's really going on. So I thank-you for taking the time to share your point of view. It adds to my knowledge base.

Charlie! Your blog will be solid gold and well worth your time if you keep it concise yet insightful. Don't sweat the details. And from all of us here in the comments section, we hope you have a good night...

Thank you for taking the time to post. Your insight is appreciated. The two speeches that we heard last night from Ted Kennedy and Michelle Obama were very good. The one we did not hear was from President Carter. I don't understand why they did not let him say anything. I thought he was about to speak....and then he walks behind the backdrop and that was it.
Any idea why they did not allow him to speak?
Regards,

Welcome Charlie, to the world of the internet. I myself don't blog with anyone but since i am a big fan of yours i'm taking this opportunity to join your new found family. I agree that Ted Kennedy's speech last night was truly remarkable under the circumstances and also agree that it may have been his last time on the big stage. I have a gut feeling we won't be seeing him come January which will leave a terrible void in my political heart. He was kind enough to give my cousin, David Nyhan's eulogy and for that i'll be eternally grateful. Now, my one complaint. I am one of the few viewers who actually look forward to these politcial conventions. I find it sad that the major networks are only devoting an hour of coverage to an otherwise historical event. Last night and tonight probably, i'll be forced to watch CNN or MSNBC which really aren't my cup of tea as i'd rather hear my political news from you or George or the rest of the crew. Again, welcome to the "Blog Zone"...it's been a long time coming.

Charlie

Don't know if this helps but my 2 cents as to whether your blog is worth the time...
(as a guy who has his own team doing content for the web)

1st - I don't think people have caught on yet that you are blogging...takes a bit.

2nd - I think your colleagues will tell you that many people read the discussions and don't always contribute.

but more than those two first issues...

it is the stone age still with IPTV (or ITV)... ... we are evolving into interactive and to have a voice like yours in that world helps.

very soon we will have full use (not basic as we have now) of what's called hypervideo.

This is an interactive layer of flash over the video on the web where you can embed hotspots or links...i.e. you like the dress a character is wearing...click on it and you will be linked to where you can buy it... you want to talk to a person on the video...click on them during the specific story and you are attached to their blog...

As it evolves the links will become intelligent and not only will they link you to the person's blog...but when you type it will also link you to more information and other people who have similar questions and ideas.

Hopefully that is a little insight ...that is what my team of storytellers are working with actually and why you will see my signature here on occasion.

I am very interested to see how a long time experienced reporter evolves with this.

and I think you will find the worthy of it may grow...lol...both on you and with you...so to speak.

and every once in a while...

Aristotle's theory may even help a veteran reporter like yourself...

as he said - "the truth is found through the dialectic"... alot of "dialectic", worthy or not, will go on in your blog.

and FYI As a Massachusetts native,

Gotta say I appreciated that you carried Teddy's speech the way you did.

I think most Mass natives feel like he is family...whether they like him or not. Probably most of America feels that way.

I read your blog yesterday, didn't comment. We are here so keep on blogging. Perhaps your IT person can give you a tally of how many hits your blog receives...

I thought the airing of both speeches in their entirety was the right call. I think people watching the convention live want to hear what's said and form their own opinions and reactions to the speeches. If they wanted sound bites and someone else's opinion, they could just as easily watch the wrap up on the 11 o'clock news or the morning news.

I think writing entries for this blog is definitely worth your time, and I hope you'll continue to do so. I've been watching ABC News all my life and I love the idea of this blog because it will give me a behind-the-scenes look at how each night's newscast comes together.

I watched the convention last night and was moved by Kennedy's presence and his speech. I really couldn't think of a better way for the Democrats to kick off their convention. And kudos to ABC for airing Kennedy's appearance in its entirety!

When I was young, I spent the summer with my sister and brother-in-law who were involved in local Long Island, NY politics. I worked on the float for the 4th of July parade and eagerly listened to the speeches of their political friends who cited so many wonderful plans and policies. And then we went back to the house for a barbeque. While I admit that their foul mouths took me somewhat aback, it was their cynical outlook and private comments which were quite the opposite of their public stands that I found most shocking and disillusioning. I've had a difficult time ever since believing anything a politician said in public. Like Senator Kennedy, I too have had a serious bout with cancer and know only too well how draining his appearance last night had to be for him. I certainly agree that it was important to cover it as ABC did. Between his speech and that of Michelle Obama, I felt the glimmer of something I thought I had lost forever -- a little hope that Barack Obama's deeds might match his rhetoric, in public and in private. It's only taken 46 years.

Charlie, I totally agree. I am a huge fan of both GMA and your evening news programs and have been for years. I did find myself channel surfing last night when the 9pm (central time) coverage came on the air. I had watched Senator Kennedy on CNN already but wanted to see what else everyone had ready for the viewers. I went right back to the Senator on ABC. Even the second time around his speech was very moving. Thank you for showing it for all of us again. Your slam-dunk decision was perfect........as for thi blogging experience.....your day two is my day one....I've never done this before....I'll be back to check it out tomorrow....always interested in your take on the day's events! Thanks for your journalistic integrity.

I tuned in for a bit. It will be interesting to hear what Clinton has to say. However, I am really looking forward to hearing Ventura at the Paul convention in St. Paul.

I'm heavily of the opinion that this is worth your time. I know some comments - particularly during an election - are petty and charged enough to make you yearn for the days before the Greeks invented the alphabet.

But people are changing the way they consume media. Two-way communication may still be a fallacy. Broadcast isn't based on a particular technology that blogs are going to dispense with. The simple truth is, there's one of you and 8 million of us (including six or seven really annoying ones who seem to frequent this place). But in any case, a lot of them - particularly younger viewers are looking for the opportunity to engage with what they're seeing. And a blog is a start. It'll only become more important over time.

I know a bit about the time strain. I've been a professional journalist and was even a production intern at ABC News (of all places) in Washington and I got to witness first hand the crazy kinetic nature of it all. So I don't say any of this lightly (or ignorantly - I'm a Ph.D. student now studying how online communities look at the news).

If you don't like the time crunch this puts on you, or the dynamics of the conversations on the blog, then there are many other ways to set up your site. And there are other ways to produce the content as well - by making a short clip, for instance, when you record World News Webcast.

But please keep doing it. It's worth a lot to your audience. And, if you don't care what I say, then consider the opinions of your colleagues and your competition. Katie Couric, Brian Williams, and Anderson Cooper are all blogging now. Your viewers love you, and I guarantee that many of them appreciate it when you write, too.

Practice makes (closer to) perfect, Charlie. What took you 45 minutes of concentration yesterday should only take 15 minutes by next month. And by then, you'll be able to crank out a post whilst eating a sandwich or taking a phone call.

As to the volume of readers, I can only say that the number of people that visited ABCNews.com yesterday is probably at least equal to the number of viewers that World News has lost in the past five years. From what I hear, you're on track to have roughly 2-3MM visits a day by this time next year. What will the World News viewership be by then? 5 Million?

Blogs are a way of getting heard and its better than yelling at the TV. Obviously you think better of your time, I agree but I'm glad you're reading and responding.

Maybe you can address this. Why is the "left" media so in the tank for Obama? I would love it if someone could articulate for me what they see in his resume' that is so great, other than his race. What else does he bring? I just don't get it and I hate the way the media is treating Hillary. Putting her down doesn't help get Obama elected. Today in his blog, Cafferty said that she might be selling pencils on the floor tonight and to buy one b/c she needs the money. Is this necessary? Is this journalism? I've never heard anything like this directed toward a male candidate.

So help me undertand why the media love fest for Obama?

Charlie,
I hope you continue your postings! As I watch you, I often wonder what you are thinking about the news you are reporting.... You are so even-handed in your reporting, I cannot for the life of me pick up your political persuasion - I am sure you are this way so you do not lose your reputation for fairness. What also sets you apart Charlie, from all of the other anchors I've seen, is that one can sense in you that you do indeed genuinely care about all people and appreciate good efforts of folks to improve this world. Your reporting does not always remain focused on "the bad" as you frequently report on uplifting and inspiring stories. Charlie, I hope you remain where you are for a long, long time!

Hi Mr. Gibson or if I may, Charlie,

I understand if you can't blog everyday but having your personal reaction or thought process on a blog does matter; especially, if you're doing it towards the end of the day. Think of it as an opportunity to communicate something you didn't the first time around in a newscast or commentary. Those are just my thoughts just wanted to say I enjoy reading yours. Please keep up your fine reporting.

Yes, I do think that your time is well spent blogging, Mr. Gibson. You are a distinguished representative of news from this country (USA), your blog being on the internet, will be read by peoples from many countries and what they read will fashion what they think about the United States. So please do consider it worthwhile time spent. The internet is taking on greater importance in the weltschauen of many people today and you can have a significant role in that creation.