Irony of the Newshound

As a commenter recently mentioned elsewhere, the Herald really must be short-staffed. Because according to today's edition, the Newshound is online and ready to go. From 1/1/05:

Later this month, The Herald’s “Newshound” will be unleashed to sniff out the stories that you ask for. Problems on your street? Questions about your district’s representative on the City Commission? Concerns in the classroom? Ask the Newshound, a link to The Herald’s news staff that will allow readers to report problems, ask questions and get answers.

The Herald "allowing" readers to report problems? Isn't that their the Herald's job? Who's really doing the sniffing? Is it any wonder we can't expect reporters to attend candidate debates anymore?