Examines the relationship between police reporters and law enforcement officials in Tennessee. Finds that reporters are far younger than their source counterparts and less likely to have much experience or come from the local community. Finds that law enforcement officials rated reporters slightly higher than the reverse evaluation in such areas…

The police-press relationship has often been viewed negatively by law enforcement officials, who complain about the media's current widespread use of young, inexperienced reporters on the police beat, which the officials believe indicates that editors have de-emphasized the importance of coverage of police activities. This practice was examined to…