Commentary: The straightforward news delivery of the early 1970s, highlighted the simplicity and factual nature of stories. Wire services even had a straightforward approach, as did Walter Cronkite - - it was a different era.

Local news outlets like WGNS were different too. 50 something years ago, news was short, to the point and easy to understand... Here's another example of a 1970's newscast from WGNS... The news was presented without bias or sensationalism, featuring direct quotes and comprehensive reports.

MTSU's Dr. Larry Burriss, a professor of Journalism, takes a look at news then and now - - in today's media commentary... Hear more from Dr. Burriss below. 

About Dr. Burriss - Larry Burriss, professor of journalism, teaches introductory and media law courses. At the graduate level he teaches quantitative research methods and media law. He holds degrees from The Ohio State University (B.A. in broadcast journalism, M.A. in journalism), the University of Oklahoma (M.A. in human relations), Ohio University (Ph.D. in journalism) and Concord Law School (J.D.). He has worked in print and broadcast news and public relations, and has published extensively in both academic and popular publications. He has won first place in the Tennessee Associated Press Radio Contest nine times. Dr. Burriss' publications and presentations include studies of presidential press conferences, NASA photography, radio news, legal issues related to adolescent use of social networking sites, legal research, and Middle Earth.

Dr. Burriss has served as director of the School of Journalism, dean of the College of Mass Communication and president of the MTSU Faculty Senate. He was appointed by Gov. Phil Bredesen to serve on the Tennessee Board of Regents. He was a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Air Force and served on active duty in Mali, Somalia, Bosnia, Central America, Europe and the Pentagon.