You’ll notice very particular angles taken in the two longest features in this month’s magazine.
For the cover story on Chris Farley, which was pitched to us by freelance writer Kurt Stream, the narrative is clearly focused on the rise of Farley, as opposed to his well-documented fall. The famous comedian’s story that started in Madison is inextricably linked to his struggles with alcoholism and drug addiction along the way, which ultimately led to his death at 33 in 1997.
“The fall is prevalent in every article and documentary about him since his death and there’s a lot of sadness there,” Stream says. “I wanted readers to focus on the once-in-a-lifetime talent that he was and experience the same kind of joy they feel when they watch his movies or old ‘SNL’ sketches.”
The decision not to focus on this aspect of Farley’s story isn’t meant to gloss over the fact that Farley was a high-profile example of a person who struggled with the deadly disease of addiction. An estimated 22 million people in the U.S. today have active substance use disorders, and 15 million U.S. people specifically face alcohol use disorder. That part of Farley’s story is also particularly poignant in Wisconsin, where binge drinking and an opioid crisis hold tight grips.
But that’s just one element of Farley’s life and legacy. Stream’s piece highlights the bright spots in one man’s nuanced — and laughter-filled — story.
Nuanced stories — that’s also at the crux of our second big feature in this issue. Senior editor Maggie Ginsberg started working on a Post-Roe Wisconsin story for Madison Magazine the day the landmark case was overturned on June 24, 2022.
The story has a clear message: A one-size-fits-all law could and never should apply to reproductive health care.
This is not a story that argues “both sides” and lets the reader decide for themselves. This is a story that takes an editorial stance. It profiles six women’s stories that demonstrate and are surrounded by undeniable realities and truths.
I’m inspired by how steadfast and unwavering Ginsberg has been through the careful and sensitive reporting she’s done for this story. For us it’s been difficult to view it as a polarizing topic when the rights to bodily autonomy and appropriate health care seem so unquestionably nonnegotiable.
I know not every reader will like this story. I have relatives who will not like this story. Madison Magazine’s role is to be a thought leader on topics that affect and reflect Madisonians. And my role as editor is different from that of a hard news reporter.
It hasn’t always been easy for me to take a strong stance on a certain topic. As a journalist I’ve been taught to remain impartial, and I value my ability to be open-minded and put myself in the shoes of another.
But a story like this — coming at a time when Wisconsin leadership determined by the recent November election so greatly affects the issue — is especially important now.
In my mind, there’s no option other than to be deliberate.
Andrea Behling is editor at Madison Magazine.
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