From 1980-1987, I had the dream job of writing a weekly sports broadcasting column at The Everett Herald. In addition to taking potshots at local sportscasting figures, I also had the privilege of interviewing some of the top national sportscatsers (as well as up and comers such as Bob Costas and Chris Berman). Among the nicest and most professional of the big guys was Chris Schenkel, a classy ABC sports stalwart. I remember speaking with him on the phone for an hour from his home in Indiana. Schenkel was an icon from the ABC Wide World of Sports days and an era without slomotion instant replays and myriad camera angles. It was an era when economy of language that bristled with insight was far more important that hubbub about team squabbles and police blotter activities. Schenkel will be missed.

Mike and I were talking last night about the media coverage of Katrina. TV and the media in general is in uncharted territory and coming up with insight about the role of the media is difficult because of the dynamic nature of the events. While we mull over our commentary, look at these remarks:

“This is a basic crisis communications principle: When you are dealing in a crisis situation, people want to look, see and feel that some type of leadership is being projected," said Chris Lehane, a Democratic communications consultant.

"There is a void, and people are looking for someone to fill that void," he added. "In the modern media age when most people get their information through television images, it is important to physically show leadership."

Wherein Allen and Mike try to understand the effect of Katrina on the NO media. Will papers make a permanent jump to all digital -- or primarily digital -- by necessity?