Mobile Arts: Uh Oh.

So it seems that Thomas Harrison’s article on the Mobile Ballet that appeared in Sunday’s “Living Arts” section caused quite a stir. I’ve heard from every where that his mention of Nilas Martin’s drug charges in an article about the “Gala Evening of the Stars” didn’t go over well at all. Arts and ballet fans are pretty angry.

I don’t think a little blurb in an article about him will do much to stunt revenue from the show. Sometimes audiences like a little scandal, which makes watching a show more interesting. But as a journalist, I don’t see what the fuss is. Harrison’s job requires him to mention, along with Nilas’ bio, information about his recent charges as a means of identification. Journalists just can’t leave important information out because it isn’t “potential audience friendly,” and the article isn’t a puff piece–nor is it meant to be.