As a college senior, I penned a thesis on television news programming. I had just served as an intern at PBS’ McNeil/Lehrer Report and was feeling high-and-mighty. The three networks dominated the news coverage back then while CNN was trying to emerge.

Network news has changed in two decades. But it still tries to cram multiple stories into about 22 minutes. That’s why the McNeil/Lehrer Report, which devoted the full half hour to one issue, had such appeal.

Call it fate or whatever, but that’s essentially what I do today: Explore stories that affect the energy sector. There are no pictures or dramatic music. It’s really about the power of ideas. Admittedly, such journalism is unlikely to appeal to every news consumer. But that’s not our goal at Energy Central. We simply want to have honest discussions about relevant matters without a lot of highfaluting, self-indulgent figures.

I would call it the antithesis of the cable news food fights -- to advance an ideology using the most illustrious personalities. Essentially those shows have niche followings and they simply preach to the crowd. Opinionated programs are fine. But that is not what we do. And while some of them may now be riding high, that won’t last.

Respectful, well-considered journalism has staying power. In that regard, the market has room for lots of news organizations. Newspapers provide the highlights. Magazines go into more depth. The networks hit several topics to provide an overview. And the News Hour with Jim Lehrer is now a full 60 minutes while the web has become one of most powerful mediums.

As for EnergyBiz Insider, we are not here to entertain you. We’re here to inform and give you a true edge in the business world. ###

Subscribe to EnergyBiz Insider at www.energycentral.com