‘First Informer’ Concept Spreads

When I first heard broadcasters describing themselves as first informers I was uneasy. While acknowledging the truth of that phrase, I felt we were taking a term, “first responders,” that is highly valued in our society and trying to catch some of its reflected gloss. I worried about how law enforcement and other authorities, who are such important partners to radio and TV, would view broadcasting’s use of those words.