For the last twelve years I have had a weekly commentary focusing on various local, state, and national issues. My last employer required all news producing General Managers to appear on television each week. Two weeks ago many people believe a journalism line was crossed by Jennifer Livingston a LaCrosse, Wisconsin anchor who did not like a viewer writing her a letter about her weight. Jennifer has become somewhat of a symbol for this country’s bullying problem. Even schools are using the video, which by the way took four minutes of air time, as a learning tool. Livingston said that she and her colleagues get a “healthy dose of critiques” and that it comes with the territory when you are on air. Jennifer, if you believe you get critiques you should have my job. However, here is the point. Jennifer is an anchor who reports the news for the station. She is not a commentator. She is a 15 year veteran with the station but there are some that feel she crossed an ethics line. The head of the University of Wisconsin’s Center for Journalism Ethics said last week, “I am still uncomfortable when journalists use their power and access to media for their own ends – whatever ends they may be, good or bad…I am uncomfortable with using a newscast as the forum for such a personal intervention.” Others are in her corner with some news directors saying that the issues being discussed bullying, obesity and body image also are worthy. Look, Jennifer, I am not in your corner on this one. Your job is to report the news, not be the center of the news story. Leave the editorial remarks to someone else or develop a thicker skin.Reporter in the News