Meaning: This quote by Charles Kuralt, a renowned journalist, reflects his perspective on the nature of news coverage and the personal fulfillment he found in reporting on what he deemed to be more meaningful or interesting stories. Kuralt's career spanned several decades and included extensive coverage of significant events, which makes this quote particularly insightful in understanding his approach to journalism.

In this quote, Kuralt acknowledges that while working in Los Angeles covering hard news, he often found himself drawn to stories that were considered unimportant by traditional news standards but were more compelling to him personally. This sentiment highlights the subjective nature of news coverage and the varying interests and perspectives of journalists. It also speaks to the idea that what is deemed important or newsworthy by mainstream media may not always align with an individual journalist's passions or sense of significance.

Kuralt's experience of being "off in the woods covering something unimportant" while major events unfolded elsewhere underscores the constant tension between the perceived importance of a news story and its inherent value to the journalist reporting it. It suggests that, for Kuralt, the appeal of a story was not solely determined by its immediate impact or scale but by its inherent interest and personal resonance.

This perspective on news coverage sheds light on the complexities of journalistic decision-making and the balancing act between reporting on significant events and pursuing stories that resonate on a more personal level. It also challenges the notion that the importance of a news story is solely defined by its potential to attract a mass audience or make headlines.

Kuralt's approach to journalism, as reflected in this quote, underscores the importance of individual passion and curiosity in shaping the narrative of news coverage. It suggests that the most compelling and impactful stories are often those that hold personal significance for the journalist, regardless of their immediate newsworthiness in a traditional sense.

Overall, Charles Kuralt's quote encapsulates a thought-provoking perspective on the nature of news coverage, emphasizing the subjective nature of newsworthiness and the significance of pursuing stories that hold personal interest and meaning for the journalist. It serves as a reminder that the value of a news story is not solely determined by its perceived importance but also by its ability to capture the genuine interest and curiosity of those reporting it.