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Perhaps the problem is the assumption that journalism organizations have to be run as for-profit businesses. There are many other models for institutions, from

Perhaps the problem is the assumption that journalism organizations have to be run as for-profit businesses. There are many other models for institutions, from non-profits to public institutions (universities) to utilities to essential public/private institutions (hospitals) to etc. Capitalism is very useful but it isn't the solution to every problem. Journalism, where the incentives of profit don't align well with the mission, might need another model. Newspapers have been for-profit organizations for generations, but perhaps times have changed; also, that model gave advertisers great influence over the news. The model would have to be insulated from government interference, sustainable, insulated from public whim (the journalists should be able to report news that the public dislikes), and incentivize journalists to do a good job. Perhaps power split between several groups with checks and balances? Or how about a producer cooperative, if I'm using the term correctly - isn't the Guardian controlled by its journalists? Where does its money come from? EDIT: Another model is the news associations, such as the AP. Also, I just came across the following, which is relevant: https://www.thomsonreuters.com/en/about-us/trust-principles.html https://www.thomsonreuters.com/en/about-us/trust-principles....

icelancer 9y ago
There is nothing inherently at odds with non-profits under capitalism... not sure what that has to do with anything.
core-questions 9y ago
> Journalism, where the incentives of profit don't align well with the mission, might need another model. I agree with this sentiment, but I don't know that I've seen another model demonstrated that works much better. State-run media like the CBC or BBC are still incentivized by advertisers, and also beholden to government - this still sets an implicit bias, as viewpoints that would have the government reduce funding to the state-run media aren't likely to be heavily popularized on there (go figure), the same way viewpoints that are counter to what advertisers want their products associated with aren't going to be seeing much if any airtime. > Another model is the news associations, such as the AP What you have there is a media cartel, something that provides far too powerful of a megaphone. Just like that recent Sinclair clip that was going around last week with multiple newscasters reading the same script in sync, the AP has the power to set the tone and message for thousands of newspapers. I think the massive resulting feedback waves that come from such loud voices is damaging; it sets into play social oscillations so strong they can tear people apart. If anything, I'd like to see a model that pushes for more decentralization, that puts more competition into the game, that makes the individual players smaller. Give me a reason to want to read one paper over another other than my own confirmation bias.
lordnacho 9y ago
How about a university model? You have multiple foundations providing some form of tenure for journalists whose peers consider them to be good at their work. Of course every model has its pros and cons.

icelancer 9y ago

There is nothing inherently at odds with non-profits under capitalism... not sure what that has to do with anything.

core-questions 9y ago

> Journalism, where the incentives of profit don't align well with the mission, might need another model. I agree with this sentiment, but I don't know that I've seen another model demonstrated that works much better. State-run media like the CBC or BBC are still incentivized by advertisers, and also beholden to government - this still sets an implicit bias, as viewpoints that would have the government reduce funding to the state-run media aren't likely to be heavily popularized on there (go figure), the same way viewpoints that are counter to what advertisers want their products associated with aren't going to be seeing much if any airtime. > Another model is the news associations, such as the AP What you have there is a media cartel, something that provides far too powerful of a megaphone. Just like that recent Sinclair clip that was going around last week with multiple newscasters reading the same script in sync, the AP has the power to set the tone and message for thousands of newspapers. I think the massive resulting feedback waves that come from such loud voices is damaging; it sets into play social oscillations so strong they can tear people apart. If anything, I'd like to see a model that pushes for more decentralization, that puts more competition into the game, that makes the individual players smaller. Give me a reason to want to read one paper over another other than my own confirmation bias.

lordnacho 9y ago

How about a university model? You have multiple foundations providing some form of tenure for journalists whose peers consider them to be good at their work. Of course every model has its pros and cons.