Meaning: The quote "People also don't care about the daily comings and goings of diplomats and yet we must report it" by Roone Arledge, a renowned journalist, reflects a fundamental challenge faced by journalists and media professionals - the need to report on events and topics that the general public may not find immediately captivating or relevant to their daily lives. This quote encapsulates the tension between the obligation of the media to inform the public about important global events and the perceived disinterest of the audience in such matters.

Roone Arledge, who is best known for his influential role as the president of ABC News and ABC Sports, was a visionary in the field of journalism and broadcasting. He played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of television news and sports coverage. His quote resonates with the broader discussion about the role and responsibilities of the media in providing information to the public.

In the context of the quote, "the daily comings and goings of diplomats" can be interpreted as the routine activities, negotiations, and interactions of diplomats and foreign officials. These events may include diplomatic meetings, international conferences, treaty negotiations, and other diplomatic engagements that occur on a daily basis. While these activities may have significant implications for international relations and global politics, they are often perceived as distant and removed from the immediate concerns of the general public.

The quote raises the question of how journalists and media organizations should navigate the tension between the need to report on such events and the challenge of engaging the audience. It underscores the inherent responsibility of the media to provide comprehensive and informative coverage, even when the subject matter may not initially capture the public's attention.

One interpretation of Arledge's quote is that it highlights the role of journalism in serving as a bridge between the public and the complex world of international affairs. Despite the potential lack of immediate interest from the audience, the media has a duty to shed light on diplomatic activities and their potential impact on the global landscape. By doing so, journalists contribute to informing and educating the public about the interconnected nature of international relations and the broader implications of diplomatic developments.

Additionally, the quote may also allude to the broader concept of news judgment and editorial decision-making within media organizations. Journalists and editors are constantly faced with the challenge of prioritizing news stories and determining which events are newsworthy and relevant to their audience. While the daily comings and goings of diplomats may not be as attention-grabbing as sensational headlines or human-interest stories, they often play a critical role in shaping the geopolitical landscape and international policies.

From a journalistic perspective, the quote underscores the importance of contextualizing and explaining the significance of diplomatic activities to the public. It emphasizes the need for journalists to frame complex international events in a way that resonates with the audience and conveys the relevance of such developments to their lives. This approach requires a commitment to providing in-depth analysis, historical context, and real-world implications of diplomatic activities, thereby bridging the gap between seemingly remote events and the everyday concerns of the public.

In conclusion, Roone Arledge's quote encapsulates the ongoing challenge faced by journalists and media professionals in balancing the obligation to report on diplomatic activities with the audience's potential disinterest in such matters. It underscores the vital role of the media in providing comprehensive and informative coverage of international affairs, even when the subject matter may not immediately capture the public's attention. By acknowledging this tension, journalists can strive to contextualize and elucidate the broader significance of diplomatic events, thereby fostering a more informed and engaged public discourse on global issues.