A sad loss

I was disappointed to read that it was Ian Snook’s last column in the Taranaki Daily News last week.

More alarming was his mention of the loss of provincial sports journalists in provincial newspapers. As I understand, Glenn McLean finishes with the TDN this week.

Glenn McLean has provided outstanding sports coverage for the TDN. His sharp insight will be sorely missed.

Historically, sport has been a huge part of the social fabric of Taranaki life. The withdrawal of provincial sports coverage is another nail in the coffin for the once proud TDN.

The strength of the TDN has always been regional news. Without the likes of Glenn McLean, the TDN will no longer be able to deliver on its strength.

The front page of the TDN proudly displays the Ranfurly Shield. How do the TDN plan to cover Taranaki’s defence of the Shield, with no sports journalist based in Taranaki?

Bruce Lawrence

New Plymouth

Editor says:

From today, readers will notice a change in the sports pages of the Taranaki Daily News. In future, any local sport coverage will be provided via the general news desk. If you have a sports story for consideration, please contact the news desk on taranakinewsdesk@fairfaxmedia.co.nz or phone 06 757 6862.