The Anchors of Yore

Elizabeth Jensen’s cover story “Just Another TV News Job Now” (July 30) really brought back memories.

Certainly I remember David Brinkley with John Chancellor, but even more sharply do I remember Brinkley with Chet Huntley. Because of them and the special magic they wove during political conventions, I became truly interested in the political process. Nobody, absolutely nobody, has ever cast such a spell since, at least not over me. Chet with his warm and comfortable authority and David with his irreverent humor made a team that stands alone in the history of television news.

I am reminded also of the round-table discussions after presidential speeches, when some of the finest newsmen of the day would discuss what had been said and not said, and what it all meant. To these discussions these newsmen, most if not all of whom had covered the Second World War from around the world, brought infinite experience and intelligence and a real respect for each other. Again, I learned and was spellbound by the intricacies of national and international events. In no other way could I have acquired such a broad interest, indeed fascination, with the news, and I am more grateful than I can express for the education it gave me.

Only Jim Lehrer today bothers to offer anything like such an experience. He should be applauded rather than criticized for refusing to prostitute such a fine old profession for the sake of ratings.

JOAN M. PETERSON

Culver City

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I was dismayed by Elizabeth Jensen’s contrapuntal pieces on political convention coverage. I believe that conventions--no matter how relentlessly produced and contrived--should be covered by the American press. Jim Lehrer made this point well, and I agree with him.

But the Democratic National Convention is not only a national story, it is a local story with profound local implications. Where is the local media? Except to point out that the host committee, until recently, had not raised enough money to pay for the convention, local media have ignored this proud/irksome/exciting moment in our shared history. How is this convention affecting Los Angeles? And when will the local media let us know?

GRAHAM REED

Los Angeles