Columnist

Brett Oppegaard

Brett Oppegaard has a doctorate degree in technical communication and rhetoric. He studies journalism and media forms as an associate professor at the University of Hawaii Manoa, in the School of Communications. He also has worked for many years in the journalism industry. Comment below or email Brett at brett.oppegaard@gmail.com.

Reader Rep is a media criticism and commentary column that is independent from Civil Beat’s editorial staff and does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Civil Beat.

Read more
Reader Rep: My Own Experiences With OIP Have Been Terrible

Reader Rep: My Own Experiences With OIP Have Been Terrible

By /
The state's public information agency doesn't do such a great job providing information -- or even returning phone calls.
Reader Rep: The Truth Is Out There — Unless The Media Screws Up

Reader Rep: The Truth Is Out There — Unless The Media Screws Up

By /
A tale of two journalistic flops: giving cover to the missile alert "Button Pusher" while ignoring the outcome of a once-hyped criminal case.
Reader Rep: Media Focus On ‘False Alarm’ Didn’t Go Deep Enough

Reader Rep: Media Focus On ‘False Alarm’ Didn’t Go Deep Enough

By /
It was a life-changing moment for people in Hawaii who received the Jan. 13 missile alert and believed it.
Reader Rep: Why I Write About The Local Media

Reader Rep: Why I Write About The Local Media

By /
In the coming year, Reader Rep plans on focusing more on transparency. Here's how you can help.
Reader Rep: Media Ethics Policies Ought To Be On Public Display

Reader Rep: Media Ethics Policies Ought To Be On Public Display

By /
While journalism organizations say they follow ethics codes, it's often hard for the public to find those guidelines.
Reader Rep: Media Should Treat Online Comments Like Part Of The Story

Reader Rep: Media Should Treat Online Comments Like Part Of The Story

By /
With proper moderation, the responses found at the end of articles provide an opportunity for useful citizen journalism.
Reader Rep: When Should You Credit Your Media Competitors?

Reader Rep: When Should You Credit Your Media Competitors?

By /
Figuring out how and when to cite fellow journalists isn't always a simple matter.
Reader Rep: Hawaii Kai Tree-Lighting Shenanigans Continue

Reader Rep: Hawaii Kai Tree-Lighting Shenanigans Continue

By /
A columnist broke a story about political favoritism. Two other media outlets picked it up without crediting him.
Reader Rep: Hawaii Reporters Are Giving The Rich A Free Ride

Reader Rep: Hawaii Reporters Are Giving The Rich A Free Ride

By /
World’s wealthy uses tropical islands, including Hawaii, to stash their riches, avoid taxes.